Top 3 Misconceptions about FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) provides a simple way for users to send files and information ad hoc from one location to another. FTP provides a medium for establishing communication between computers (or servers) for file transfer. Although it is still a widely used and well-known file transfer method, people have many misconceptions about FTP. The following are some of the most common misconceptions:

Misconception 1: FTP encrypts data as it’s transferred.

FTP doesn't encrypted the data in the process of transferring. When FTP is used, all transmissions are transmitted in clear text, which means that if the transmission is intercepted, the data can be easily obtained. Data leakage occurs when users send sensitive data through unsafe sites or anonymous FTP sites.

Using FTP to transfer business data means sacrificing data security. In addition, enterprises or organizations install FTP servers for some reason, but they usually forget the existence of FTP, do not update it, and have little supervision over the data stored on it.

Misconception 2: All that matters is getting data from point A to point B.

In addition to ensuring that files go from one location to another, you need to work hard to prove compliance with data protection regulations. FTP is developed only for transferring files, and does not provide any functions to support security and compliance requirements. If you have any sensitive or regulated data to transmit, choosing FTP will expose these important data to danger.

Misconception 3: Homegrown FTP is good enough

If you use the local FTP system, you may encounter problems and face many risks. Data silos may pose various challenges to employees who need timely access to data to make data-driven business decisions. You may also find that you spend more time logging in to various systems and platforms, troubleshooting or performing other related maintenance tasks.

Using distributed file transfer systems also makes it more difficult to manage compliance. IT is time-consuming and error-prone to audit various applications and systems without a comprehensive understanding of IT systems.

From FTP to MFT

Managed file transfer (MFT) technologies provide multi-layered security and compliance supporting capabilities, far beyond the more basic file transfer mechanisms like FTP. MFT technology’s features include in-depth reporting (such as notifications of successful/failed file transfers), global visibility into your data at all times, end-to-end security with encryption of data in transit and at rest, performance metrics/monitoring to meet stringent SLAs and compliance mandates, and the automation of file transfer-related processes. If you are looking for a stable and secure file transfer software, Raysync is definitely your best choice!