File transfers are the building blocks of the Internet. In every single minute of every single day, users of the Internet download files and circulate them all across the virtual world. File Transfer Protocol (FTP) has existed for more than four decades, and over that time, it has seen substantial improvements in terms of encryption standards and file transfer features.
FTP dates all the way back to the early days of networks, predating even the birth of contemporary Internet Protocol (IP) networks based on TCP in the early 1980s (Transmission Control Protocol).
This article will explore the plethora of dimensions relevant to FTP, such as functionalities, advantages, and disadvantages, while also introducing FileMail as a viable alternative.
What Is File Transfer Protocol (FTP)?
The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) represents a standard communication protocol for transferring computer files from a server to a client across a computer network. FTP is a client-server protocol that utilizes distinct control and data connections between the client and server.
FTP is a client-server networking protocol that enables users to download web pages, data, and applications from other services. When a user wants to download data to their own computer, they do it using FTP.
Furthermore, FTP is not encrypted. It uses cleartext users and passwords for authentication, rendering data transfers through FTP susceptible to eavesdropping, impersonation, and other attacks.
How Does FTP Work?
The File Transfer Protocol operates on a client-server paradigm, with the file transfer function being carried out by an FTP server and an FTP client. An FTP connection needs two parties to create and interact on a specified network to begin. While a user must have the authority to supply credentials to an FTP server, some public FTP servers do not need users to provide passwords to access the files.
An FTP server is set up on the network, and a specified file storage location (folder/system) is defined as the shared storage location for the data to be shared. End users will connect to this file server using FTP to transfer files to their local folder/system.
FTP needs a TCP/IP network and the usage of one or more FTP clients to function. The FTP client serves as the communication agent between the client and the server, downloading and uploading files. Essentially, the FTP client initiates connections to the FTP server. The FTP server starts the file transfer procedure upon receiving the client’s request to upload or download a file.
Whenever a user encounters a problem, he or she must create a command channel and data channel. After configuring both channels, passive mode instructs the server to listen for connections rather than trying to reconnect with users.
What Is FTP Used For?
Platforms that continue to support FTP downloads and transfers do so mostly out of habit, and even this is becoming less prevalent.
FTP is an informal approach to expose newbies to internet protocols before progressing to more complicated versions, making it an excellent beginning tool. Some individuals create FTP file systems out of nostalgia or just for fun. Transferring huge amounts of server files inside an organization: Some IT professionals may utilize FTP when transferring server files within a closed system.
In addition, FTP is used extensively in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business to exchange architecture schematics and components. The ideal method for sending huge files such as CAD or SketchUp diagrams, which are often used in the AEC business, is through an FTP server.
Construction and related industries that deal with CAD diagrams and similar file formats often depend on FTP due to file transmission speed.
FTP Clients
Each FTP client has unique capabilities that enable users to customize their upload and download processes. Additional features to look for in an FTP client include public-key authentication, file compression level control, and tools for searching a server using file masks.
FTP's Security Issues
Overall, FTP is inherently insecure as a method of data transport. When a file is sent over this protocol, the data, login, and password are all exchanged in plain text, implying that a hacker may easily get this information. To guarantee the security of your data, you must utilize an improved version of FTP, such as FTPS or SFTP.
FTP stretches back to when cybersecurity was nothing more than a speculative subject. This implies that FTP transfers are not secured, making it reasonably simple for anybody capable of packet sniffing to intercept data.
If hackers can intercept an FTP transfer, they will not be hindered by encryption to access or modify the contents. Even if you utilize FTP cloud storage, data may be intercepted and abused if the service provider’s system is hacked.
As a result, data delivered over FTP makes an ideal target for spoofing, sniffer, brute force, and other types of attacks. A hacker might inspect an FTP transaction and try to attack its weaknesses using basic port scanning.
Disadvantages of FTP
Challenging Utilization
To say that FTP is inaccessible is an understatement. The interface is frightening and overpowering. At first sight (and several subsequent glances), it seems to be something that only an IT specialist could comprehend. This is a significant disadvantage since it needs the training to operate properly for both your personnel and your customers.
Not Every Vendor Is Equal
Businesses choose to host FTP solutions managed by vendors to address the issue of security vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, not all suppliers pass the necessary security tests, making it difficult to find the proper one. Each rival provides a unique set of features, and many of them are lacking in critical areas such as access restrictions, security, usability, and price alternatives.
Encryption is Not a Foregone Occurrence
While it is possible to locate a provider that provides data encryption, many do not. FTP does not include encryption, which explains why transmitted data is so easily intercepted. Additionally, while researching an FTP service, you’ll find that encryption is not always given or enforced.
FTP Can Be Attacked
If you pick an incorrect provider, you risk being left with an FTP solution that does not safeguard your data, leaving you open to hacker strategies such as brute force or spoofing assaults. Hackers utilize brute force attacks to get into your system by rapidly going through thousands of login and password combinations. FTP is susceptible to spoofing attacks, in which a hacker impersonates a genuine user or device on the network.
Compliance is a Problem
Additionally, you should consider compliance while sending data through FTP. FTP on its own or via an insecure FTP provider might expose your firm to non-compliance charges. Lack of encryption is a significant contributor to non-compliance, and you must identify a solution that fits your compliance requirements.
Monitoring Activity Is Difficult
FTP does not provide audit trails, making it difficult to trace down the source of a leak or monitor project progress. As a result, if files are mistreated, or there is a data breach, you may have difficulty tracking the source of the issue. Numerous FTP clients lack the necessary access restrictions to guarantee that your staff follows file sharing best practices.
Advantages of FTP
Multiple file directories may be transferred concurrently
FTP is an excellent alternative if your company wants you to exchange large volumes of data (think terabytes, not megabytes) at once. Engineers, architects, and graphic designers often have enormously huge files that are too large to send by email and too sluggish to share using HTTPS. FTP provides a significant benefit in these instances since it allows for the faster transmission of massive files.
Never lose track of your file transfer progress
It is advantageous because you do not have to fear losing your transfer progress if you lose connection to the network while using FTP. If you lose your connection or need to reboot your machine, you won’t have to start again. You may continue where you left off. When the network becomes accessible, FTP will immediately rejoin and resume where it left off.
Filemail: The Viable Alternative To FTP
Nonetheless, there are also viable alternatives that overcome the challenges posed by FTPs and bring additional functionalities and advantages. Filemail is a web platform that enables the sending and receiving of huge files of any size using a variety of applications and services.
It is a free service that is available to anybody. The fundamental principle is straightforward: choose a file, fill in a recipient’s email address, and click ‘send’. The receiver receives a link to your file and downloads it.
Surpassing the security vulnerabilities of FTPs, with Filemail you may specify the availability period and password protection for your file transfer, which makes it safer. It also comes with security measures that make your file transfer more secure, unparalleled by FTP.
Two sets of firewalls protect your servers, and access to the data is maintained directly via Windows access. On disk, filenames are encrypted, and the sheer volume of data on the servers makes it virtually difficult to retrieve and decrypt data from the hard drives.