|
One method of securing your FTP file transfers is to use SSL encryption. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and is the most common way of encrypting your files while they are in transit. SSL is a protocol developed by Netscape in 1994 for transmitting documents securely via the Internet. SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two separate keys to encrypt data. There is a public key known to everyone and a private (sometimes called the secret) key known only to the recipient of the message. This of course is all handled by the protocol itself. The user doesn't actually see either key (typically). SSL is a simple method, but FTP security can be achieved using more complicated methods as well.
Secure FTP, or SFTP (FTP over SSH) refers to using an SSH connection to transfer files across the internet. SSH stands for Secure SHell, which is a network protocol that allows you to transfer your files over a secure channel between two networked devices. Secure FTP IS NOT FTP, but a new protocol designed for secure transmission of data. SFTP is an interactive file transfer program, similar to FTP. The difference is that SFTP can only be used on an SSH connection.
There are other methods of securing your data transmissions, but you also have to consider your file storage security. CheapFTP.com offers low cost solutions to FTP and file storage. At only $10 per gigabyte of data transfer or storage, CheapFTP.com is a smart choice for your security needs. They offer a free web based FTP client that allows you to access your files from any computer with internet access. Free SSL encryption ensures your files are transferred securely. Click here for more information.