Introduction
FTP transmits data in plain text, making it highly vulnerable to interception and attacks. Due to these security risks, it is now considered outdated and rarely used in modern environments.
To address these security risks, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and FTPS (FTP Secure over SSL/TLS) have become the standard alternatives. These protocols encrypt data transmissions and enforce stronger authentication mechanisms, making file transfers significantly more secure.
But how secure are these alternatives? Do they fully mitigate security risks, or do they introduce new complexities? This post will cover:
🔍 The security risks of unencrypted file transfers
🔍 How SFTP and FTPS enhance security—but with trade-offs
🔍 Best practices for ensuring truly secure file transfers
Outdated and Insecure: Why You Should Move Away from FTP
FTP was once a widely used method for transferring files, but it no longer meets modern security requirements. It was designed in an era when cybersecurity wasn’t a major concern, and as a result, it lacks critical protections against today’s threats.
Here’s why FTP is no longer a secure option:
- No Encryption – Standard FTP transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to eavesdropping.
- Brute Force Attacks – Weak authentication allows attackers to guess login credentials.
- Directory Traversal Risks – Misconfigured servers can let attackers access unauthorized files.
- FTP Bounce Attacks – Attackers can exploit misconfigured FTP servers to relay malicious traffic.
Because of these security risks, major browsers like Chrome and Firefox have removed support for FTP, and most organizations have moved to SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP Secure over SSL/TLS) for encrypted file transfers.
SFTP vs. FTPS: Which One Is Right for You?
Both SFTP and FTPS introduce encryption and authentication mechanisms to enhance security, but they differ in key ways.
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)
How it works: Uses SSH (port 22) to encrypt file transfers.
✅ Pros:
- Strong encryption protects against packet sniffing and MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks.
- Supports public key authentication, eliminating reliance on passwords.
- Resumable transfers are supported, making it ideal for large files.
- Can be configured with chroot jail, isolating users from broader system access.
❌ Cons:
- More complex user management, though restricted SFTP-only accounts help mitigate this.
- No built-in MFA, but SSH key authentication improves security.
- Higher encryption overhead, which may introduce latency for large data transfers.
FTPS (FTP Secure over SSL/TLS)
How it works: Enhances standard FTP with SSL/TLS encryption.
✅ Pros:
- TLS encryption secures credentials & data from interception.
- Easier migration for organizations already using FTP.
- SSL certificates can provide additional authentication security.
❌ Cons:
- Not all FTP clients support FTPS, and compatibility issues may arise between Explicit FTPS (FTPES) and Implicit FTPS (FTPS).
- Firewall/NAT issues, as FTPS requires multiple ports for control and data.
- No built-in MFA, making additional authentication layers necessary.
- Outdated TLS versions can weaken encryption if not properly maintained.
SFTP vs. FTPS – A Quick Comparison
| Feature | SFTP | FTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | SSH-based (AES, RSA, etc.) | TLS/SSL-based |
| Port | 22 | 21 + random data ports |
| User Management | Can be restricted via chroot jail
|
Standard FTP user management |
| Firewall Issues | Minimal | Requires additional configuration |
| Supports Public Key Authentication? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Supports MFA? | ❌ No (but SSH keys enhance security) | ❌ No |
| Resumable Transfers? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Best Use Case | Secure enterprise file transfers, cloud environments | Migrating from legacy FTP environments with added security |
Conclusion
File transfer security has evolved significantly, and older protocols like FTP no longer align with modern security standards. SFTP and FTPS provide essential encryption and authentication improvements, making them far more reliable choices for secure data exchange.
🔹 For security-first environments with minimal firewall complexity, SFTP is a strong choice.
🔹 For organizations with legacy systems, FTPS can provide a structured transition while enhancing security.
However, protocol choice is just one part of a comprehensive security approach. To truly protect sensitive data, organizations should also implement:
✅ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Reducing unauthorized access risks.
✅ File Integrity Verification – Detecting tampering with cryptographic hashes like SHA-256.
✅ Strict Access Controls – Enforcing least privilege principles.
✅ Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solutions – Providing automation and centralized security policies.
Ultimately, securing file transfers requires more than just encryption—it demands a proactive approach to authentication, integrity, and access control to keep up with today’s evolving threat landscape.
Top comments (2)
I don't think I've even heard of anyone using FTP in the last 15+ years!
Yeah, it's old and just doesn’t work as well as the newer protocols