Comparison Between FTPS and SFTP

FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure): An extension of FTP that adds encryption and authentication through SSL/TLS. It uses multiple ports, making firewall configuration more complex. Commonly used in legacy systems requiring encrypted file transfers.

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): A file transfer protocol based on SSH, offering secure authentication and encryption. It uses a single port (default 22), making it easier to configure and more secure for modern applications.

Comparison: FTPS vs SFTP

Feature	FTPS	SFTP
Protocol Base	FTP with SSL/TLS encryption.	Built on SSH (Secure Shell).
Encryption	Uses SSL/TLS for encryption and authentication.	Uses SSH for encryption and authentication.
Port Usage	Requires multiple ports (e.g., 21 for control, dynamic ports for data).	Single port (default is 22).
Authentication	Certificate-based (server certificates, optionally client certificates).	Password-based or SSH key-based authentication.
Firewall Compatibility	More challenging due to multiple ports.	Easier due to single-port operation.
Data Integrity	Ensured through SSL/TLS.	Ensured through SSH encryption.
Ease of Setup	Requires managing SSL certificates.	Requires setting up SSH keys or credentials.
Usage	Common in legacy systems or when SSL/TLS certificates are already in place.	Preferred for modern secure environments and ease of configuration.
Logging and Debugging	Can be harder due to complex port requirements.	Simpler due to single-port communication.
Security	Strong, but dependent on proper certificate setup.	Strong and widely trusted for secure file transfers.

Summary Note:

• Choose FTPS if your infrastructure already supports FTP and SSL/TLS.
• Choose SFTP if you want simpler configuration, stronger security by default, and easier firewall traversal.