Ftp

Definition

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and server on a computer network. It operates over the Internet and enables users to upload and download files easily, playing a crucial role in the management of files across different systems. FTP is significant for its ability to support large file transfers and its use of various authentication methods to ensure secure access.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FTP operates primarily on two ports: port 21 for commands and port 20 for data transfer.
2. It can operate in active mode or passive mode, affecting how the client and server establish connections.
3. FTP supports anonymous logins, allowing users to access public files without a username or password.
4. Data transferred via FTP can be done in ASCII mode for text files or binary mode for images and other non-text files.
5. Despite its convenience, traditional FTP is not secure; data, including passwords, is transferred in plaintext unless secured with SFTP or FTPS.

Review Questions

• How does FTP function within the client-server model and what roles do the client and server play in this process?
  • FTP functions as a key application within the client-server model by allowing a client to request files from a server. The client initiates a connection to the server using FTP commands to navigate directories and request specific files. The server responds by sending the requested files back to the client, facilitating efficient file management across different systems.
• Discuss the differences between FTP and SFTP in terms of security and functionality.
  • The main difference between FTP and SFTP lies in their security features. While FTP transmits data in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception, SFTP encrypts both the command and data channels, providing secure file transfer. Additionally, SFTP uses a single connection for both commands and data, simplifying firewall traversal compared to the two-channel system of FTP.
• Evaluate the implications of using traditional FTP for transferring sensitive information in today's cybersecurity landscape.
  • Using traditional FTP for transferring sensitive information poses significant risks in today's cybersecurity environment due to its lack of encryption. Since data is sent in plaintext, it can be easily intercepted by malicious actors during transmission. This vulnerability has led many organizations to adopt more secure protocols like SFTP or FTPS that provide encryption and secure authentication methods, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected while being transferred across networks.

Related terms

HTTP:

Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the foundational protocol used for transmitting web pages on the Internet.

SFTP: Secure File Transfer Protocol, an extension of FTP that adds a layer of security by encrypting data during transfer.

Client-Server Model: A computing model where clients request resources or services from servers that provide them, fundamental to network communications.