Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a network protocol used for transferring files securely over a network. Despite its name, SFTP is not related to the FTP protocol; it is an entirely different protocol based on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol.
Here are some key features of SFTP:
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Security: SFTP provides a secure method for transferring files over a network by encrypting both the data being transmitted and the commands used to perform file operations. It uses the SSH protocol to establish a secure connection between the client and the server, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping.
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Authentication: SFTP supports various authentication methods for verifying the identity of users and servers, including password-based authentication, public key authentication, and keyboard-interactive authentication. Public key authentication is particularly popular as it offers stronger security by using cryptographic keys for authentication.
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Encryption: SFTP encrypts data using encryption algorithms such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and Triple DES (Data Encryption Standard) to ensure confidentiality during file transfer. It also provides integrity protection by using cryptographic hash functions to detect any tampering or modification of transmitted data.
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Portability: SFTP is platform-independent and can be implemented on a wide range of operating systems, including Unix, Linux, Windows, macOS, and others. This makes it a versatile choice for secure file transfer in heterogeneous environments.
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Functionality: SFTP supports various file transfer operations, including uploading (put), downloading (get), listing directories (ls), deleting files (rm), renaming files (rename), and creating directories (mkdir). It also supports resume functionality, allowing interrupted transfers to be resumed from the point of failure.
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Firewall-Friendly: SFTP operates over a single port (usually port 22 by default), making it firewall-friendly and easy to deploy in network environments with restrictive firewall configurations. Unlike FTP, which requires multiple ports for data transfer, SFTP uses a single port for both control and data transfer, simplifying network configuration and management.
Overall, Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) provides a secure and reliable method for transferring files over a network, making it a popular choice for organizations and individuals who require secure file transfer capabilities. It offers strong security features, platform independence, and ease of use, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including file sharing, data backup, and software distribution.