What is FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure)?

FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to adds support for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) or the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocols.

Two separate modes are used to support FTPS: Implicit and Explicit.

• Implicit FTPS Mode - In implicit FTPS mode, the security layer (TLS or SSL) is established from the beginning of the connection. This mode is not compatible with standard FTP client tools.
• Explicit FTPS - In explicit FTPS mode, the FTP client tool and the FTP server starts with standard FTP connection. The client tool can decide to stay with FTP protocol to continue the session or upgrade to FTPS protocol using the AUTH command explicitly.

Comparison and differences between FTPS and SFTP:

• FTPS protocol is secure, because every piece of data transferred between the client and the server is encrypted using TLS or SSL protocol.
• SFTP protocol is secure, because every piece of data transferred between the client and the server is encrypted using SSH protocol.
• FTPS and SFTP protocols are based different protocol families. FTPS is based on FTP, and SFTP is based on SSH.

⇒ Using Web Browser with FTP Server

⇐ SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol)

⇑ Understanding FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

⇑⇑ FTP - Frequently Asked Questions