Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) & Secure Shell (SSH) allow users to transfer files between their computer software (FileZilla) and server. SFTP is a more secure alternative to FTP, as it includes encryption and authentication features that protect sensitive data during transfer. SFTP is built on top of SSH and allows you to access files via a file management system rather than a command line. We always recommend using SFTP or SSH remote access to access your files.
What is SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)?
SFTP is a secure method for transferring files between your computer and server. It provides an added layer of security compared to FTP, as it includes encryption and authentication features to protect sensitive data during transfer.
SFTP and FTP: Key Differences
FTP and SFTP are both protocols used for transferring files between a client (such as your computer) and a server. However, there are significant differences between the two, mainly related to security.
Security
FTP: FTP is an older protocol that does not provide any encryption for data transmission. This means that data, including login credentials, is transmitted in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception and tampering by malicious actors.
SFTP: SFTP is built on top of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, which provides encryption and secure authentication. This means that data transmitted using SFTP, including login credentials, is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping and tampering during transmission.
Connection
FTP: FTP uses two separate connections – one for control commands and another for data transfer. The control connection is used to send commands between the client and server, while the data connection is used to transmit the actual files. This can lead to issues with firewalls.
SFTP: SFTP operates over a single, encrypted connection, utilizing the SSH protocol. This simplifies the connection process and makes it easier to work with firewalls.
Authentication
FTP: FTP authentication typically relies on plaintext username and password combinations, which can be easily intercepted due to the lack of encryption.
SFTP: SFTP offers multiple authentication methods, including password-based authentication, public key authentication, and even multifactor authentication, providing more robust security and reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access.
What is Public Key Authentication?
Public key authentication is a method of verifying the identity of a user or system based on cryptographic keys, specifically, a pair of keys known as the public key and private key. This method is commonly used to provide a more secure way of authenticating users than traditional password-based authentication.
Public key authentication provides several advantages over password-based authentication:
Improved Security
Reduced Brute Force Risk
Easier Key Management
Support for Multi-Factor Authentication
SFTP and SSH Remote Access: What’s the Difference?
In practice, SFTP and SSH serve different purposes when it comes to remote access. SFTP is a protocol specifically designed for securely transferring files between a client and a server. It is built on top of the SSH protocol and encrypts both data and commands, providing a secure environment for file transfer and management.
In contrast, SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure protocol for remote login and command execution on a server. It allows users to securely access and manage remote systems by establishing an encrypted communication channel between the client and the server.
SFTP focuses on file transfer and related operations, SSH provides broader remote access capabilities, including running commands, managing services, and configuring system settings on a remote server.
Both SFTP and SSH contribute to secure remote access, but they address different aspects of remote server management, with SFTP focusing on file transfers and SSH enabling secure command execution and overall system administration.
In Summary
SFTP and SSH are considered the most secure methods for accessing your files because they both employ strong encryption and authentication mechanisms. These features protect data from unauthorized access, tampering, and eavesdropping during transmission, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your files. Additionally, SFTP and SSH offer multiple authentication options, such as password-based, public key, or multi-factor authentication, further enhancing security and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.