What are FTP and SFTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

FTP is a standard protocol for transferring and sharing files over the Internet. In eCommerce websites, FTP transfers web pages, product data, and related files to a web host. It also transfers order details, inventory data, and shipping labels with distributors, warehouses, and other stakeholders. 

However, FTP lacks encryption, making it unsuitable for transferring sensitive data such as customer or financial details. It’s also less efficient for large file transfers or complex product catalogs. 

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

SFTP is a network protocol that runs on Secure Shell (SSH) encryption to protect data during transfer. It offers a much higher level of security and reliability than FTP, making it the preferred method for transferring files in eCommerce applications. 

Moreover, SFTP is also well-suited to transferring large files to web hosts. Transfer speeds are also faster, and the connection is more stable, ensuring no data is lost or prone to errors.