This article is a segment of a beginner-friendly series aimed at assisting developers in comprehending fundamental concepts related to WordPress. Focusing on FTP, which includes its secure counterpart SFTP, the post aims to elucidate the distinctions between the two and underscore their significance in the development of a WordPress site.
Now, let’s address the question: What is FTP?
File Transfer Protocol, abbreviated as FTP, has been in existence since 1971. Although computers were utilized during that era, the user base was considerably smaller compared to today’s widespread usage. FTP serves as a standard network protocol, facilitating the transfer of files between hosts over a TCP-based network, such as the internet. For those trivia moments on Jeopardy, it’s worth noting that TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol.
FTP Client-Server Architecture
Constructed on a client-server architecture, FTP remains in active use today. It establishes distinct control and data connections between the client (such as a user or developer) and the server (the host). Typically, FTP users authenticate themselves using a username/password combination, although anonymous connections are possible with server permission.
Securing FTP with TLS/SSL
To secure the content, FTP is frequently encrypted using SSL/TLS, a topic discussed in a previous article. In this context, it is referred to as FTPS, denoting File Transfer Protocol Secure. Additionally, it goes by names such as FTP Secure, FTP-SSL, and FTP-ES. It’s important to note that FTPS differs from SFTP, a distinction we’ll explore later, once we have a comprehensive understanding of FTP.
FTP Clients
Connecting to FTP usually involves the use of a client. In the past, these were command-line-driven, but nowadays, many come with user-friendly graphical interfaces. Most contemporary web browsers can also fetch files from FTP servers. The more prevalent and arguably superior approach is to employ popular FTP clients like FileZilla, Cyberduck (a personal favorite), Transmit (exclusive to OSX), or WinSCP. Numerous other excellent options are available, too many to list comprehensively.
Grasping the concept of SFTP
Now, you might be thinking, “I understand what FTP is, but what’s the deal with SFTP?” SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. SSH, or Secure Shell, differs from the SSL/TLS protocols used in FTPS. It also distinguishes itself from FTP over SSH, which involves tunneling FTP through an SSH connection.
To clarify, SFTP is essentially FTP secured via the SSH protocol instead of SSL/TLS. Its enhanced security stems from encrypting both commands and data, preventing the exposure of passwords and sensitive information during network transmission. Additionally, SFTP operates in a packet-based format, as opposed to the text-based nature of FTP. This means it transmits binaries rather than commands, resulting in increased security and faster data transfer. This dual advantage makes SFTP a more robust and efficient option compared to traditional FTP.
Inherent Security:
SFTP offers built-in security by conducting file transfers inline over the primary control connection, as opposed to opening and utilizing a separate connection as in FTP. This configuration results in a single secure connection, safeguarded by firewalls. Notably, SFTP is inherently secure, and unlike FTP, there is no non-secure version. Furthermore, the encryption in SFTP cannot be disabled using AUTH commands, a capability present in certain instances of FTP.
Improved Analytics:
Lastly, SFTP typically provides superior analytics, offering more comprehensive data about files, including permissions, date, time, size, and additional details. These insights are not commonly available through FTP, highlighting the enhanced robustness of the SFTP protocol.
In conclusion, while FTP remains a prevalent choice, SFTP stands out with heightened security, accelerated transfer speeds, and more advanced analytics. Through the use of the SSH protocol, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your file transfers. For those involved in WordPress site development, embracing the secure and efficient capabilities of SFTP is encouraged.
