Networking & Internet
FTPS
Definition
FTPS (also known as FTP-ES, FTP-SSL, and FTP Secure) is an extension to the commonly used File Transfer Protocol (FTP) that adds support for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and, formerly, the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocols.
Why It Matters
FTPS was another approach to securing the insecure FTP protocol. It wraps the standard FTP communication in an encrypted TLS/SSL layer.
Contextual Example
Some legacy systems that required FTP might have been updated to use FTPS to add a layer of security without completely changing the underlying protocol.
Common Misunderstandings
- FTPS is FTP with TLS/SSL security. It should not be confused with SFTP, which is a different protocol altogether that runs over SSH.
- SFTP is generally considered a more modern and firewall-friendly protocol than FTPS.