SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), introduced in the late 1990s, represents a completely different approach to secure file transfer. Unlike FTPS, which adds security to existing FTP, SFTP is built on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol and operates as an entirely separate protocol.
The fundamental advantage of SFTP lies in its single-channel approach. While FTP and FTPS use separate control and data channels, SFTP conducts all communication through a single encrypted SSH connection. This design significantly reduces attack vectors and simplifies firewall configuration.
SFTP uses packet-based communication rather than text-based commands, making it more efficient for file transfers. The protocol supports multiple authentication methods including username/password combinations, public key authentication, and certificate-based authentication, providing flexibility for different security requirements.
Since SFTP operates over SSH, it inherits SSH’s robust security features including strong encryption algorithms, integrity checking, and secure key exchange mechanisms. This makes SFTP the preferred choice for organizations requiring the highest levels of security for file transfers.
Additional benefits include IPv6 support, resume capabilities for interrupted transfers, and comprehensive file management features beyond simple transfer operations. SFTP’s integration with SSH also means it leverages the same secure infrastructure used for server administration, creating consistency in security practices.
