What Is FTP?

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is one of the oldest methods for moving files between computers over a network. It was designed in the early days of the internet to allow users to upload and download files to and from a remote server. Despite its age, FTP is still widely used for website management, server administration, and bulk file transfers.

However, plain FTP has a significant drawback: it transmits data — including your username and password — in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.

What Is SFTP and How Is It Different?

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. Despite the similar name, it is not simply "FTP with encryption" — it is a completely different protocol built on top of SSH (Secure Shell). SFTP encrypts both the credentials and the data in transit, making it a far more secure choice for modern file management.

Feature FTP SFTP
Default Port 21 22
Encryption None (plain text) Full SSH encryption
Authentication Username/password Password or SSH key
Firewall-friendly Sometimes problematic Single port, easier
Use today Legacy systems Recommended standard

Choosing an FTP/SFTP Client

You don't need to use command-line tools — graphical clients make file transfers straightforward. Here are some popular options:

  • FileZilla — Free, open-source, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
  • WinSCP — Windows-only, excellent for SFTP and SCP with strong automation support.
  • Cyberduck — Available on macOS and Windows, with a clean interface and cloud storage integrations.
  • Terminal / Command Line — Built into macOS and Linux. Use sftp username@hostname to connect.

Connecting to a Server with FileZilla

  1. Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager.
  2. Click New Site and give it a name.
  3. Set the Protocol to SFTP (recommended) or FTP.
  4. Enter your Host (server IP or domain), Port, Username, and Password.
  5. Click Connect. The remote file system will appear in the right panel.
  6. Drag files between the left (local) and right (remote) panels to transfer them.

Understanding File Permissions

When managing files on a remote server, permissions matter. Each file and folder has read, write, and execute permissions for the owner, group, and others. In FileZilla, right-click a file and select File Permissions to view and change them. A common web-safe permission setting is 644 for files and 755 for directories.

Best Practices for Secure File Transfers

  • Always use SFTP over plain FTP whenever your server supports it.
  • Use SSH key authentication instead of passwords for automated or frequent transfers.
  • Avoid transferring sensitive files over untrusted networks without a VPN.
  • Keep your client software updated to benefit from the latest security patches.
  • Review server logs periodically to spot any unusual access patterns.

When to Use Cloud Storage Instead

For day-to-day file sharing, cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive are often simpler than FTP. However, FTP/SFTP remains the right tool when you need direct access to a web server's file system, are managing hosting files, or need to automate large batch transfers through scripts.