FTP or File Transfer Protocol is one term among an entire lexicon that has come into being because of the internet. Terms such as HTTP, SMTP, and FTP are just some of the terms that have come into being only after the invention of the World Wide Web (or the WWW as we know it). In the way that HTTP enables transfer of web pages and SMTP enables the transmission of electronic mail or email as we know it, FTP is also used for transmission of data, information, etc. These terms have become common parlance in today’s internet world and we use these terms in our everyday speech perhaps without giving a second thought to what they mean, or entail.

So what is File Transfer Protocol or FTP as it is generally known? Quite simply put, this is the means to transfer files over the internet, from one to another computer. This is a system of file transfer that can be used over the internet, intranet or a TCP/IP supporting network. Since the FTP is such a widely used and accepted mode of transfer pretty much every kind of computer is enabled with this technology.

This is essentially the mode whereby you download material from the internet and it is FTP whereby you can update files on a server. This would include the moving, renaming, copying or even deletion of a file.

The file transfer protocol facilitates sharing of files and the indirect use of remote computers. Additionally it transfers information and/or data proficiently and dependably while at the same time attempting to protect a person from the disparity among the various systems of file storage among different servers.

The chief limitation of the File Transfer Protocol system of data transmission is lack of security. This kind of transfer is in an unencrypted form, thereby making it insecure and precarious. Data being transferred in this way can be viewed by another person. This kind of viewing is also known as “sniffing”. There are, thus problems that are posed by this transfer protocol or system; for example if a password or other sensitive or secret information is sent, this is sent in plain text, that is without it being coded or encrypted in any way. Such sensitive information can, therefore be intercepted, viewed or tampered with. This protocol leaves a user open to misuse by mischievous elements. This protocol is therefore unsuitable for transferring of information involving configurations, personal identification numbers, passwords / usernames etc., simply because of its vulnerability to interception.

However, it is possible to get around the inherent problems of security presented by the FTP. Since FTP by itself is not able to be encrypted and can be viewed and/or “sniffed”, the problems presented can be circumvented by adding other protocols to the FTP, in other words by enhancing it. To circumvent the problems posed by the nature of this protocol, SFTP can be used. SFTP is SSL File Transfer Protocol. Another option is FTPS which is FTP over SSL. By this TSL or SSL encryption is added to File Transfer Protocol.