How FTP works.

FTP is based on a client-server configuration. Therefore, it allows you to transmit information regardless of the operating system you use. Even the system used by the hosting provider (Windows, Linux, MAC, etc.) is not relevant. To be able to use it, it is necessary to have a server and also a client. Check our tutorials to learn more about each type.

The communication is initiated when a connection is made from the client to the server. In addition, this connection is negotiated through the network port 21, also called control port. However, this will not be the port through which the information will be sent or downloaded. Indeed, this depends on the FTP mode selected.

FTP modes

Active mode: the server opens the initial connection. Consequently, it opens the connection on its port 20 and connects to the client on a random port greater than 1024. Moreover, this port is specified by the FTP client itself. Note that this is the least recommended option. Indeed, its use implies having a fairly wide range of ports open on your computer. It certainly carries many security risks.

Passive mode: the client opens the initial connection. In addition, it is the server that indicates which port to open. It will always be done on a network port greater than 1024 of the servers. Therefore, it is not necessary to have open ports on the computer. This is logical, since it will be the server that will open the connection.

We have already mentioned that the FT protocol was created several years ago. Even before hackers existed. Therefore, it was not recognized as a secure protocol. In fact, the information that travels between computer and server is in plain text. That is, without any kind of encryption.

What does the lack of encryption imply?

Well, this implies a considerable risk that the data will be captured. Indeed, an attacker could see our connection data and even view the information we are uploading. Even worse, they could download it using a Sniffer type software. These tools are capable of scanning the network for vulnerabilities.

Suppose you make a connection using plain FTP. As a result, you will see a warning that the connection is not secure. We have established that the FTP connection is not secure at all. Because of this, two secure versions were subsequently born: FTPS and SFTP. Although they are almost the same acronym, they are not at all the same. Let’s take a look at what each one consists of.

Secure versions of FTP: FTPS and SFTP

What is FTPS?

FTPS works in the same way as conventional FTP. However, the main difference is that it has an SSL/TLS encryption layer underneath. Also, this layer is provided by a security certificate. It is known as Secure FTP and there are two types of connection:

• Explicit FTPS: This is the month used. In addition, we also recommend its use. A normal, unencrypted connection is made. However, before sending any sensitive data, TLS negotiation is required to encrypt the connection.
• Implicit FTPS: It is in disuse. In fact, it is not available on most servers. The negotiation of the secure connection is done before any FTP command is sent.

What is SFTP?

SFTP is a wholly different protocol from conventional FTP. Indeed, it is based on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. In addition, the entire connection is encrypted and made through network port 22. They differ not only in encryption. Additionally, it is a protocol with more functionalities than conventional FTP. For example, we have the execution of CLI (Command Line Interface) commands.

SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. Through it, we can exchange encrypted data between the client and the server. It uses Secure Shell (SSH) for this purpose. In addition, we can not only transfer files via SFTP. Indeed, we can view directories, rename them or limit rights. An SFTP program allows you to upload files for your website to your webspace. We can even create a backup of the website with SFTP. With a SFTP program, you can also delete entire files and folders. Indeed, if you delete contents, they will no longer appear to visitors of your website. In short, SFTP is the successor to FTP. The major difference is greater security. This is indicated by the addition Secure.

Conclusion

Security is a fundamental concern in any technology environment. Certainly, in the world of hosting, it is an element that also depends on the provider. However, it is primarily an element to be taken care of by the user. Today we talked about the differences between FTP and SFTP. Logically, you may have noticed that the main difference is related to security. Therefore, it is not currently recommended using a conventional FTP connection to connect. There are certainly exceptions. For example, we can use them for specific cases for reasons of urgency. Mostly when we need a fast connection and do not have much time to configure it. Moreover, when the data to be shared is not sensitive.

Consequently, when you connect via FTP to upload or download data, remember to always do it via FTPS or SFTP. This way, we are taking care of our data. Please keep in mind that hackers are always on the prowl. Therefore, it is our duty to make things more difficult for them. See you soon!

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FileZilla

FileZilla is one of the most popular FTP applications. It is a free, open-source, cross-platform program. Its main advantage is that files are easily exchanged as soon as the connection is established. It also allows the exchange of large files. Additionally, it is possible to resume interrupted transfers. Users can determine the upload and download speed. Furthermore, it is possible to store information from the FTP server. Optionally it is possible to enable SSL / TLS or SSH protocol.

WISE-FTP

WISE-FTP is a paid FTP program for Windows operating systems. However, it offers a 30-day free trial period. The software supports all common protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS, or FTPES. Therefore, it allows connection to any FTP server. It even allows you to fully automate the file transfer process. Simply name a target server and establish when and how often an activity is to be executed. Both authentication and file transmission are highly secure thanks to the SFTP or FTPS protocols. In addition, data can be encrypted using various protocols. For example, Rijndael, BlowFish, or TripleDES. Without any doubt, it is solution-oriented for professional use.

Cyberduck

This is a free FTP client, available for Windows and macOS. It easily connects to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV servers. It also enables connection to cloud storage services such as Amazon S3, Azure, or OpenStack. The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly. As an advantage, it allows you to add a new server quickly. In addition, it is possible to limit the number of simultaneous transfers. It is also possible to resume interrupted transfers. This open-source program allows organizing bookmarks. They can be imported from other programs.

SmartFTP

This FTP client is paid. However, it is possible to test it for 30 days. It supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP protocols. Additionally, it allows connection to services such as WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive. It also allows connection to multiple servers. Therefore, data can be moved from one server to another via FXP. The integrated search function is a great advantage for large FTP servers. All in all, if you are looking for a professional option, then it is worth the price.

WinSCP

WinSCP is open-source software for Windows. It supports several protocols, such as FTP, SFTP, and the SCP security protocol. When connecting to an SSH server, users enjoy encrypted data exchange. In addition to encrypting access data. WinSCP allows synchronizing directories and copying, moving, or deleting files. In addition, it is possible to choose between two program interfaces. It is also possible to bookmark frequently used links as favorites.

Very well, at the end of the day, we have seen the best FTP clients for Windows. Of course, there are other options available. However, we believe these are the best. In addition, there are free and paid options. Okay, that’s it for now. See you later.

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