What is SFTP?
SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. It is a way to move files between computers over the internet while keeping the data encrypted and safe from eavesdroppers.
Let's break it down
- Secure: The connection is protected with encryption, so nobody can read the data while it travels.
- File Transfer: It lets you upload (send) or download (receive) files, just like copying a document from a USB stick.
- Protocol: This is a set of rules that computers follow to talk to each other; SFTP’s rules are built on the SSH (Secure Shell) system.
Why does it matter?
When you send important documents, code, or backups over the internet, you want to be sure they aren’t intercepted or altered. SFTP gives you that confidence, making it essential for personal privacy and business security.
Where is it used?
- Companies uploading website updates to their web servers.
- Developers sharing source-code repositories between remote machines.
- Back-up services that store copies of files on off-site servers.
- Healthcare or legal offices transferring confidential records between offices.
Good things about it
- Strong encryption protects data from hackers.
- Works over the same port (22) as SSH, simplifying firewall configuration.
- Provides authentication (password or key-based) to verify the user’s identity.
- Supports resume of interrupted transfers, saving time and bandwidth.
- No separate server software needed if SSH is already installed.
Not-so-good things
- Slightly slower than unencrypted transfers because of the encryption overhead.
- Requires SSH access, which may not be allowed on some shared hosting environments.
- Limited built-in file-management features compared to more complex transfer tools.
- Not as widely supported on older consumer devices or simple routers.