What is the difference between FTP and SFTP? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?

Asked by Juul , Last updated: Apr 09, 2024

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2 Answers

L. Laurel

L. Laurel

Foodie, Traveler, MBA degree holder, Amateur writer

L. Laurel
L. Laurel, Assistant Manager, MBA (Marketing), California

Answered Jul 06, 2020

FTP is an abbreviation for file transfer protocol is used on a computer network to transfer files between a server and a device. FTP was created before STP because FTP is the first file protocol. SFTP is an abbreviation for Secure File Transfer Protocol.

Security is the main difference between the two. As the name indicates, SFTP is more secure than FTP. When a person wants to access the files, authentication is necessary with SFTP. This normally involves a username and password, while with FTP, a person could connect automatically. A person would prefer SFTP if they want to limit the people who have access to the files.

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M. Pollock

M. Pollock

A person who loves taking epic photos and an avid traveler

M. Pollock
M. Pollock, Photographer, BA, Camden Town

Answered Jun 18, 2020

FTP and SFTP are known to be two different types of file transfer protocols. You can use them depending on your needs. FTP was the first file protocol that was created first. This explains why this is not considered to be as secure as the SFTP. SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. You can already guess what its advantage over the FTP is.

You can expect that the methods that they will use so that connections can be authenticated are different. It will be easier to authenticate a connection with FTP, but with SFTP, you would need to give your username and your password.

Once you are able to do this, that is the only time when you can check the required details. This way, you can be sure that the information that you will access will not just be available to just anyone.

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