What is FTP?
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring files between a client and a server on a computer network[[1]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/file_transfer_protocol)[[3]](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/ftp-file-transfer-protocol.asp). It’s a way to quickly upload or download files to or from a site[[5]](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/articles/what-is-ftp-and-how-is-it-used).
Key Features and Functionality
- File Transfer: FTP enables the transfer of files between local and remote computers[[2]](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zvm/7.3?topic=protocols-file-transfer-protocol-ftp).
- Client-Server Model: FTP operates on a client-server architecture, using separate control and data connections[[1]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/file_transfer_protocol).
- Authentication: Users typically authenticate with a username and password, although anonymous access is sometimes allowed[[1]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/file_transfer_protocol)[[5]](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/articles/what-is-ftp-and-how-is-it-used).
- Directory Manipulation: FTP provides functions for listing remote directories, changing the current directory, and creating/removing directories[[2]](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zvm/7.3?topic=protocols-file-transfer-protocol-ftp).
- Data Types: FTP supports transferring files as ASCII characters or binary data[[2]](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zvm/7.3?topic=protocols-file-transfer-protocol-ftp).
How FTP Works
The FTP process involves a user logging in to an FTP server (though sometimes a login isn’t required)[[3]](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/ftp-file-transfer-protocol.asp). The FTP client interacts with the server upon a request, allowing the user to upload, download, or move files on the server[[3]](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/ftp-file-transfer-protocol.asp).
Security Considerations
Standard FTP has security drawbacks. It doesn’t encrypt data, making it vulnerable to interception, and usernames and passwords are sent in plain text[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–). Because of these vulnerabilities, it is not suitable for transferring sensitive data[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–).
Alternatives to FTP
Due to FTP’s security shortcomings, more secure alternatives like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) and Managed File Transfer (MFT) have emerged[[1]](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/file_transfer_protocol)[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–). SFTP encrypts data during transmission, and MFT offers secure protocols and comprehensive management features[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–).
Use Cases
- Website Management: Web developers use FTP clients to upload and download files to their websites[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–).
- Data Backup: FTP can back up files more efficiently than copying them to physical storage devices[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–).
- File Sharing: FTP facilitates file sharing internally and with external partners[[4]](https://www.kiteworks.com/risk-compliance-glossary/file-transfer-protocol/?source=post_page—–8424a2088b12——————————–).