I have always used FTP to upload files to my website, by my friends keep telling me I should switch to SFTP. What’s the difference between FTP and SFTP?
The difference between FTP and SFTP is a big one, my friend. The difference is security.
Definition of SFTP
FTP is an unencrypted protocol — everything, including your FTP password, is transmitted back and forth between the client and server in plain text. Transmitting anything even remotely important over an FTP connection is a bad idea — especially if you are using an unsecured connection, or a publicly available network with a lot of users.
The Secure File Transfer Protocol is an improvement over FTP that lends much more privacy to your connection. SFTP is a protocol that allows you to transfer and work with files over a secured, encrypted connection. If someone were to spy on your network activity, they would not be able to easily see what you are transmitting.
SFTP Software
There are many different SFTP clients available. I use WinSCP when I’m on a Windows PC, and Fugu on a Mac. Have your own favorite software? Feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments.
5 responses
May 15th, 2008
Barry says:
For Mac FTP Interarchy:
http://nolobe.com/interarchy/
May 15th, 2008
David says:
I really enjoy using:
Cyberduck for 99% of my usage
I live the interface, and the easy GUI. I know that I can do more with some of the other apps, but why it is too easy to use.
May 15th, 2008
Syahid A. says:
My fav is WinSCP too. One of the easiest tool that I’ve used for quite a long time, and still is.
May 15th, 2008
Roelant says:
Old time favorite Transmit from the guys at Transit has seemless SFTP support (and many other secure protocols, like FTP with SSL/TLS) as well. I’d definately recommend it as a sold FTP-client.
May 15th, 2008
Van says:
Despite their naming, it should be noted that there is a difference between SFTP and FTPS. SFTP is a subsystem of the SSH protocol, whereas FTPS is an extension to the FTP protocol providing FTP over SSL.
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