What Is File Transfer Protocol (FTP?)
FTP is a tool that we use to transfer files over the internet, to put it simply. One of the earliest network protocols still in use today is this one. It appears that you have used FTP before if you’ve ever downloaded anything from the internet.
FTP can also be used to download and upload web pages, though. TCP/IP is the foundation of the protocol (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol). TCP/IP simply transmits files from a personal computer to an online server and vice versa whenever you attempt to transfer files over the internet.
Nonetheless, one of the major challenges we all face when using FTP is security. The malicious activities were rare when FTP was first developed. Today, the rise of cybersecurity threats has threatened us to be more cautious. Therefore, we should start to strengthen security as well as using encrypted protocols. If you do not want to expose your computer to those threats, we recommend you to use either FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure) or sFTP (Secure Shell File Transfer Protocol ).
Unlike the unencrypted FTP, data that we through FTPS and sFTP cannot be intercepted and read, which ensures that the information is safe. Both use different authentication options to protect your files. Moreover, if you’re wondering which is best for you, sFTP is a solid choice.
Why is it a better choice? Well, the major advantage of sFTP is the use of a single ‘port number’ for all its connections. In contrast, FTPS requires us to create a new port number each time making a transfer request. This exposes your information to a significantly higher level of risk.
FTP Client
Do you recall when the FTP Client was mentioned? In order to use the full range of file transfer options with additional security precautions over a secure data connection, you must first have an honest-to-goodness FTP client.
You can log onto a secure FTP server using an FTP client to transfer files. Additionally, you can use it to navigate the file folder structure on the server and upload or download files. All FTP clients should be able to do these basic tasks. They differ from modern web browsers’ built-in file transfer mechanism. This is due to the fact that they were created especially for certain purposes.
Nowadays, fully-loaded web editor software such as Dreamweaver and RapidWeaver comes to equip with built-in FTP functions. However, if you’re looking for a stand-alone FTP client for major file transfers, there is a plethora on the market to choose from. Furthermore, FTP clients can run the gamut from free to expensive.
