Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a network protocol designed to securely access, transfer, and manage files over a network. It operates as an extension of the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, providing encrypted file transfer capabilities to prevent exposure of sensitive data such as passwords during transmission
. Key features of SFTP include:
- Security: SFTP uses SSH encryption to secure both authentication credentials and data, protecting against eavesdropping, data theft, and man-in-the-middle attacks
- Single Connection: Unlike FTP which uses separate control and data connections, SFTP transfers commands and data through a single encrypted connection, simplifying firewall traversal and improving security
- Authentication: It supports multiple authentication methods including passwords, SSH keys, and other mechanisms like LDAP or biometrics
- File Management: Beyond file transfer, SFTP supports file access and management operations such as listing directories, deleting files, and renaming files securely
SFTP is widely used in industries requiring compliance with data protection regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, due to its robust security features
. In summary, SFTP is a secure, reliable protocol for transferring and managing files over a network using SSH encryption, making it a preferred alternative to older protocols like FTP and FTPS for secure file transfers
