Secure File Transfer Protocols
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Secure File Transfer Protocol is a one of the safe ways to exchange files on the internet. Simply, Secure File Transfer Protocol is a secure version of normal File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Secure File Transfer Protocol uses the same FTP commands to send or receive files securely, if it is setup properly.
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History
File Transfer Protocol (FTP, RFC 114) has become one of the most commonly used internet protocol for any of internet users since the TCP/IP protocol suite was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The first FTP standard published in the early 1970s [1].
It specified only few simple commands of file transfer protocol. FTP is platform independent which means it works any kind of operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
However, File Transfer Protocol is not secure which means there are always possibilities to be stolen your username and password via computer network. Therefore, many developers and network administrators have been making an effort to make it secure.
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
SSH File Transfer Protocols (SFTP) is a secure version of File Transfer Protocol. Typically, SFTP uses SSH2 protocol and TCP port 22 to establish the secure connection but It could be used with other protocol as well.
It is much more secure but requires special server setting and also it requires SSH File Transfer Protocol Client which is not compatible with File Transfer Protocol.
SFTP Client / Server
Generally, many operating systems already supports numerous kinds of SFTP clients such filezilla in Microsoft Windows and sftp command in Linux or Unix platforms.
For servers, OpenSSH is the most widely used but there are also many commercial products.
usage in Linux
sftp username@host
FTPS (File Transfer Protocols over SSH)
References
[1] Charles M. Kozierok, The TCP/IP Guide, No Starch Press, Inc
