The network of computers is very vast and developed in this era. The advancement of technology and the demand for the use of the internet have been increasing day by day. This calls for a secure system of communication between individuals and communication between companies.
The computer science specialists have constantly been working on providing a safe and comfortable environment for people to work and encourage each other and communicate over the internet. This also calls for a safe environment for the transfer of files. This is provided by various protocols and transfer systems developed by a specialist over the years.
FTP vs SSH
The main difference between FTP and SSH is the first one is a transfer protocol while the second one is a network protocol. Both of them are widely used in the transferring of data files. The first one provides less data security than the SSH. FTP stands for file transfer protocol, while SSH is the short form for Secure Shell.
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is used for the transfer of data from one computer to another, or say, from the main computer to a remote computer or vice versa. It establishes a connection and is based on the TCP/IP protocols, and follows its design. It does not encrypt the data. The file transfer is direct.
SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a network protocol used by computers to communicate from one computer to another as long as they are connected electrically. In 1995, Tatu Ylonen founded secure Shell. It provides the security and authentication required for communication. It makes use of both public and private keys for communication.
Comparison Table Between FTP and SSH
| Parameters of comparison | FTP | SSH |
| Full form | File transfer protocol | Secure shell |
| Meaning | The protocol is used for the transfer of files from a local computer to a remote location and vice versa. | The network protocol is used for communication between two computers that are connected by an electrical path. |
| Access | Transfer in plain text | Access via username and password |
| Security | Less secure | More secure |
| Connection | Computers not connected | Computers connected by electrical connection. |
| Data | Not encrypted | Encrypted while transfer |
| Usage | Used in the transfer of data files i.e. uploading and downloading files. | Used in the transfer of data files, and also allows to insert various commands that can be understood by the remote computer. |
What is FTP?
FTP Stands for file transfer protocol. It is a protocol that is used for the transfer of files from a local computer to a remote location or from a remote location to a local computer. FTP is very old and was created before the public network evolution.
This explains the slow level of security of the data and the non-authentication of passwords and usernames. The data were actually sent in plain text rather than the use of username and password, and the low level of security can be seen due to the early creation of FTP.
This acts as a disadvantage as any person with the knowledge to sniff data can easily get knowledge about the user, username, password, and the data being transferred. The security breach, in this case, is very easy. FTP is only capable of transfer of files from one computer to other and can perform basic functions like copying files, pasting files, moving files, or deleting files.
What is SSH?
SSH stands for secure shell. It is a network protocol that is used for communication between two computers that are connected by an electrical path. The communication is based on the connection of computers via an electrical pathway Or a network of cables regardless of the distance between both computers.
Secure Shell, as the name says, provides the security of data. It was created after the sniffing attack happened at Helsinki University of Technology. Earlier, the Telnet protocol was very prominent at the time when the sniffing attack happened, but now the secure shell has overtaken it and is now in use.
SSH secures data by encrypting it before it is sent out, and the data is then decrypted at the designated location. SSH allows the user to issue a command that can be interpreted and executed from the remote computer using the listening server. It is also used for monitoring and channelling of services and is used in applications that are running or even for the transfer of a file. SSH provides more control to the user and gives freedom in the management of their site.
Main Differences Between FTP and SSH
- FTP is used for the transfer of files, whereas SSH is used for communication between computers.
- FTP is categorized under transfer protocol, while SSH is classified as a network protocol.
- FTP is less secure than SSH.
- FTP only allows the transfer of files, while SSH can be used for copy, paste, moving, and deletion of data.
- FTP doesn’t require a username and password, while SSH is secured by username and password.
- FTP doesn’t require an electrical connection between the computers, whereas SSH does.
Conclusion
The development of the internet called for a high-security system for transferring files. The exchange of data on the Internet has been very large for the past few years. But the automation and the companies switching to online mode had a great impact on people and their daily lives. Data sharing on the Internet has been enormous, whether it be for personal reasons, professional reasons, or for social engagement.
FTP and SSH are used in the sharing of files from one computer to another. FTP is used in transferring data, copy and pasting files, moving data, and deletion of data. SSH provides better authentication such as a username and password for secure Login to access the data. It secures data by encryption of data before transfer and decryption of data at the designated computer. The FTP follows the base design of TCP/IP protocol and works accordingly.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5582002/
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-01399-7_15