FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) are both protocols used for transferring files over a network, but they differ significantly in their security, functionality, and implementation.
The main difference between FTP and SFTP lies in their security mechanisms. FTP is an older protocol that operates over plain text, transmitting authentication credentials and data in an unencrypted format, which can be intercepted and compromised by malicious actors. In contrast, SFTP runs over SSH (Secure Shell) and encrypts both commands and data during transmission. This encryption ensures confidentiality and integrity, making SFTP a more secure choice for transferring sensitive files and performing remote file management tasks.
Choosing between FTP and SFTP depends on security requirements and use case scenarios. SFTP is generally considered better in terms of security because it encrypts data transmissions and provides authentication mechanisms to verify the identity of clients and servers. It is preferred for transferring confidential or sensitive information over untrusted networks, where data security and protection against eavesdropping are paramount. FTP may still be suitable for non-sensitive file transfers within trusted environments where encryption and secure authentication are not critical considerations.
FTP, SFTP, and TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) are three distinct protocols used for file transfer, each with different capabilities and implementations. FTP is a comprehensive protocol supporting features like authentication, directory listing, file manipulation commands, and data encryption through FTPS (FTP Secure). SFTP operates over SSH and provides secure file transfer capabilities with encryption and authentication mechanisms. TFTP, in contrast, is a minimalistic protocol used primarily for bootstrapping devices or transferring configuration files without authentication or encryption.
FTP and SFTP typically use different ports for communication. FTP commonly uses port 21 for control connections (command transmission) and port 20 for data connections (file transfers). In contrast, SFTP uses port 22, the default SSH port, for both command and data transmission. The use of distinct ports ensures that FTP and SFTP traffic can be managed separately and allows network administrators to apply different security policies and access controls based on the specific protocol being used.
The commands used in FTP and SFTP differ significantly due to their respective protocol designs and functionalities. FTP commands are designed for a traditional file transfer protocol, offering operations such as login, directory listing (LIST), file upload (PUT), file download (GET), renaming (RENAME), deleting (DELETE), and changing directories (CD). In contrast, SFTP commands leverage the capabilities of SSH for secure file transfer and remote file management. SFTP commands include operations for authentication, file transfer (PUT and GET), directory listing (LS), file deletion (RM), file renaming (MV), and changing directories (CD). The commands used in SFTP reflect the secure and encrypted nature of the protocol, focusing on maintaining data integrity and confidentiality during file transfers over SSH connections.