FTP vs. SSH — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
FTP is primarily used for transferring files between computers, while SSH provides secure command-line access to remote computers.
Difference Between FTP and SSH
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) facilitates the uploading and downloading of files from a server, relying on clear text transmission that can be intercepted. SSH (Secure Shell), on the other hand, encrypts the data transferred, ensuring secure communication.
While FTP uses two separate channels for commands and data, which can complicate firewall configurations, SSH uses a single encrypted connection, simplifying secure traversal through firewalls.
FTP is traditionally used for direct file transfers with minimal setup, whereas SSH offers not only file transfer capabilities via SCP or SFTP but also secure remote command execution.
Although FTP can be secured by implementing FTPS, which adds a layer of security through SSL/TLS, SSH inherently includes security features, making it robust against various types of cyber threats.
FTP's performance can be faster in environments where security is not a concern, such as within a secure local network. In contrast, SSH might introduce some overhead due to encryption, but it remains preferable for secure and confidential data transmission.
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Comparison Chart
Security
Uses clear text, vulnerable to sniffing
Encrypted, provides secure communication
Connection Type
Uses two channels (command and data)
Uses a single encrypted channel
Usage
Mainly for file transfers
File transfers, remote command execution
Security Upgrade
Can be upgraded to FTPS for encryption
Inherently secure with encryption
Performance
Faster on secure local networks
Slower due to encryption overhead
Compare with Definitions
Ftp
FTP operates over clear text, making it less secure.
Using FTP without encryption exposes your data to potential eavesdropping.
Ssh
A network protocol for secure remote login and other secure network services.
SSH is crucial for securely managing servers over the internet.
Ftp
FTP can be extended to FTPS for adding SSL/TLS encryption.
Many organizations switch to FTPS to enhance their data transfer security.
Ssh
Often used for secure command execution on remote computers.
System administrators use SSH to remotely manage infrastructure securely.
Ftp
A protocol designed to transfer files between computers on a network.
FTP is often used to upload files to a web server.
Ssh
Supports secure file transfer via SFTP or SCP.
Developers often use SFTP to access their project files securely.
Ftp
It uses separate control and data connections.
FTP's control connection can remain idle while the data connection is active.
Ssh
Encrypts all traffic to eliminate eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other attacks.
SSH ensures that all transmitted data, including passwords, are securely encrypted.
Ftp
Primarily used for bulk file transfers.
Companies use FTP for distributing software updates.
Ssh
Can tunnel other protocols like FTP to secure their data.
Using SSH tunneling, you can secure FTP traffic between hosts.
Ftp
A communications protocol governing the transfer of files from one computer to another over a network.
Ssh
Synonym of shush
Ftp
To transfer (a file) using FTP.
Ssh
To use ssh to connect to a remote computer.
Ftp
To transfer a file using FTP.
Ssh
A program and protocol for securely logging in to and running programs on remote machines across a network, with encryption to protect the transferred information and authentication to ensure that the remote machine is the one desired.
Ftp
An acronym for file transfer protocol, a standardized protocol used to allow transmission of files between computers; as, send me the file by ftp. It consists of a set of coded signals which are transmitted between computers, and which inform the receiving computer of the nature of a packet of information to be transmitted, and inform the transmitting computer when a packet has been successfully received.
Ftp
To send from one computer to another by means of the standard file transfer protocol (ftp); as, he ftp'd me the file yesterday.
Ftp
Protocol that allows users to copy files between their local system and any system they can reach on the network
Ftp
Use the File Transfer Protocol to transfer data from one computer to another;
You can FTP these data
Common Curiosities
What are the benefits of using SSH for file transfers?
SSH provides encrypted and secure file transfers, preventing data breaches.
What is FTP used for?
FTP is used for transferring files between computers on a network.
Is SSH only used for file transfers?
No, SSH also allows secure command-line access and the execution of remote commands.
How does SSH enhance security compared to FTP?
SSH encrypts all data transferred, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping, unlike FTP's clear text format.
Why might an organization choose FTP over SSH?
An organization might choose FTP over SSH for scenarios where speed and efficiency are more critical than security, such as transferring large files within a secure internal network.
How do FTP and SSH handle data encryption?
FTP by itself does not encrypt data, which can lead to security vulnerabilities, but it can be secured using FTPS, which incorporates SSL/TLS encryption. SSH, on the other hand, inherently encrypts all data transferred, ensuring secure communications from the start.
Can FTP be secured?
Yes, FTP can be secured by implementing FTPS, which adds SSL/TLS encryption.
What is the main difference between FTP and SSH in terms of protocol functionality?
FTP is specifically designed for file transfer with separate command and data channels, whereas SSH is a versatile protocol that offers encrypted communication, file transfer, and remote command execution within a single connection.
Can SSH replace FTP for all types of file transfers?
SSH can replace FTP for most secure file transfer needs through SFTP or SCP, which are sub-protocols of SSH designed for secure file transfer. However, for large, less sensitive data transfers within a secure network, FTP might be preferred for its speed.
What are some common use cases for SSH beyond file transfers?
Beyond file transfers, SSH is widely used for securely accessing remote systems, managing servers, port forwarding, and tunneling other protocols for secure communications, making it indispensable for network administration and secure remote operations.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
