SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. It is a secure version of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which is used for transferring files between computers on a network. SFTP adds a layer of security to the traditional FTP by using a secure channel to transmit data.

Features of SFTP:

• Security:
  • SFTP encrypts both the data being transmitted and the commands used to perform file operations. This helps protect sensitive information from being intercepted by unauthorized entities.
• Authentication:
  • SFTP typically uses a username and password for authentication, similar to traditional FTP. However, it also supports more secure methods, such as public key authentication, which involves the use of cryptographic key pairs.
• Port:
  • SFTP commonly operates over port 22 by default. This port is different from the default ports used by FTP (20 for data transfer and 21 for control).
• Protocol:
  • SFTP is a separate protocol from FTP, and it is not related to the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). It is often confused with FTPS (FTP Secure), which is another secure file transfer protocol that adds a secure layer on top of FTP.
• Usage:
  • SFTP is widely used for secure file transfers, especially in situations where the confidentiality and integrity of data are crucial. It is commonly used in business and enterprise environments for transferring files securely between servers.