"FTP" stands for "File Transfer Protocol," while "Secure FTP" (SFTP) stands for "Secure File Transfer Protocol." Both protocols are used to transfer files between computers over a network. The main difference is that SFTP is a secure method of file transfer, whereas FTP does not provide encryption and is therefore vulnerable to security risks.
Typical features of software in the "FTP and Secure FTP" domain include:
File Transfer: The software allows users to transfer files between their local computer and a remote server using the FTP or SFTP protocol.
Connection Establishment: Users can establish a connection to a remote server by entering hostname, username, and password.
Directory Management: The software allows users to browse directories on the remote server, upload and download files, as well as create and delete directories.
Security Features: With Secure FTP (SFTP), the transfer is encrypted to ensure the security of the transferred data. The software often supports authentication methods such as SSH keys and passwords.
Progress Indicator: During file transfer, the software displays the progress of the transfer, including the amount of data transferred and the remaining time.
Batch Processing: Users can create batch jobs to perform automated file transfers and operations, such as transferring multiple files at once.
Logging: The software logs all file transfer activities to enable monitoring and troubleshooting.
Compression and Encryption Options: Some software provides features to compress and encrypt files before transfer to improve the efficiency and security of the transfer.