Understanding Key Differences Between FTP, FTPS And SFTP | JSCAPE (2024)

Three common protocols still used in file transfer today are FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. While the acronyms for these protocols are similar, there are some key differences among them, in particular, how data is exchanged, the level of security provided, and firewall considerations. Learning these key differences can help you choose a secure file transfer protocol or troubleshoot common connection issues.

FTP

FTP (file transfer protocol) is a network protocol that has been around for decades. It was first proposed in RFC 114 over 40 years ago and eventually evolved into RFC 959, the standard FTP clients and servers follow today.

Data Exchange

The FTP protocol exchanges data using two separate channels known as the command channel and the data channel.

The command channel typically runs on server port 21 and is responsible for accepting client connections and handling the exchange of simple commands between an FTP client and server. The USER and PASS commands used for authenticating an FTP user are examples of commands that are exchanged on the command channel. The command channel remains open until the client sends the QUIT command to disconnect or the server forcibly disconnects the client due to inactivity or other reasons.

The data channel runs using on-demand temporary ports listening on the server (passive mode) or on the client (active mode) and is responsible for exchanging data in the form of directory listings and file transfers. The LIST, STOR, and RETR commands used for getting a server directory listing, uploading a file, and downloading a file are examples of commands (sent using the command channel) that open a data channel. Unlike the command channel, which remains open during the entire FTP session, the data channel is closed once the transfer of data is complete. In order to handle concurrent file transfers or directory listings, a range of data channel ports must be used.

Security

• Not impacted by the high-profile MFT security incidents in 2023; no confirmed attacks in 2023
• Quarterly internal penetration testing and annual third-party audits to proactively identify any vulnerabilities

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Firewall

Server - Allow inbound connections on port 21. Define the passive port range (e.g., 2000-2500) for file transfers and directory listings and allow inbound connections on the passive port range. Consult your server documentation for instructions on how to set a passive port range.

Client - Allow outbound connections to port 21 and the passive port range defined by the server.

Many firewall issues encountered when using FTP are caused by a poor understanding of FTP's two modes: active and passive. The settings you must make on your server-side firewall or client-side firewall will largely depend on which mode you choose. To avoid these issues, we suggest you take time for a deeper discussion on active and passive FTP.

FTPS

When the FTP protocol was initially drafted, security was not a concern. Since then, many things have changed, and sending data over any public network without encryption is considered very risky and, in some cases, prohibited. For instance, PCI-DSS and HIPAAcontain provisions that require data transfers to be protected by encryption.

In order to address this issue, a set of security extensions to create a more secure FTP protocol was proposed in RFC 2228 to protect data as it travels over the network using secure sockets layer (SSL) and now transport layer security (TLS). This encryption can be done manually, but is time-consuming and error-prone, so organizations use FTPS servers/FTPS clients to provide data security.

Data Exchange

See FTP

Security

Secure variants of FTP include FTPS Implicit SSL and FTPS Explicit SSL. Both use SSL/TLS encryption.

FTPS Implicit SSL (Implicit FTPS)

In implicit SSL mode, a required SSL session is established between client and server before any file sharing occurs. As its name suggests, the use of SSL is implied, and any attempt to make an FTPS connection without using SSL will be refused by the server. FTPS implicit SSL services generally run on port 990. Although still in use today, FTPS Implicit SSL is considered by many to be obsolete in favor of FTPS Explicit SSL.

FTPS Explicit SSL (Explicit FTPS)

Firewall

Server - Allow inbound connections on port 21 and/or 990. Define the passive port range (e.g., 2000-2500) for file transfers and directory listings and allow inbound connections on the passive port range. Consult your server documentation for instructions on how to set a passive port range.

Client - Allow outbound connections to port 21 and the passive port range defined by the server.

SFTP

SSH file transfer protocol (SFTP) is often confused with FTPS even though these protocols have nothing in common except their ability to securely transfer files. SFTP is based on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol, which is best known for providing secure access to shell accounts on remote servers.

Recommended post: How To Install A SFTP Server on Windows

Data Exchange

Unlike FTP/S, SFTP does not use separate command and data connections. Both data and commands are transferred in specially formatted packets via a single connection.

Security

All data sent between the client and server is encrypted using an agreed-upon encryption cipher. SFTP sessions can also be further protected through the use of public and private keys, which offer an alternative form of authentication known as public key authentication. This can be used as an alternative to or in conjunction with the traditional form of authentication of usernames and passwords.

Firewall

Server - Allow inbound connections on port 22.

Client - Allow outbound connections to port 22.

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