Comparing the Top File Transfer Protocols | GoAnywhere MFT

With dozens of file transfer protocols to choose from, how do you know which is the best for your business?

Some file transfer protocol specifications are set by trading partners – method, format, and security requirements – while others are set by internal requirements. Discover the top secure file transfer methods, and how they stack up against one another in this blog.

Your Comprehensive File Sharing Protocol List

FTP – File Transfer Protocol

FTP is the ancestor of all other file transfer protocols. While it’s still used today, it’s akin to driving a cart and buggy on the highway instead of a modern car. It lacks basic security features that are automatically included in other FTPs today, and productivity features like automation and tracking are also lacking.

FTP is a dying protocol. It was only created to be used in the initial years of the internet and doesn’t take malicious activity into account when it moves data. It’s possible to add modern security protocols to FTP, but it’s often easier (and more secure) to use a different protocol entirely.

Comparing FTP:

AS2 – Applicability Statement 2

AS2, short for [Applicability Statement 2](/content/solutions/as2-transfers "AS2, AS3, and AS4 Transfers Cornerstone"/index.html), is a file transfer protocol that uses digital certificates and encryption to protect critical information while in transit and to ensure it’s received by the proper parties. AS2 is most often used to meet [regulatory compliance requirements](/content/solutions/compliance "Compliance Cornerstone"/index.html) and trading partner needs in distribution and retail. Some organizations are moving away from AS2 to AS4. AS4 improves upon the already-strong security, reliability, and flexibility found in AS2.

A similar protocol is AS3, which is used to transfer structured data files (like XML). Like AS2, AS3 simplifies compliance requirement processes.

Comparing AS2:

FTPS – FTP over SSL

This more secure version of classic FTP uses TLS (SSL’s replacement) as its security mechanism to transfer data. TLS encrypts your server connection when transferring data, and [FTPS](/content/blog/what-is-ftps "What is FTPS?"/index.html) overall uses strong encryption algorithms to secure file transfers.

Comparing FTPS:

HTTP and HTTPS

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) are both ways to send data between a web server and a web browser. Both work to define the format of messages and how browsers should respond to specific web requests. HTTP uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) as an underlying transport while HTTPS, like FTPS, is encrypted by SSL/TLS.

Comparing HTTP:

SCP – Secure Copy Protocol

SCP is a simplified, very efficient transportation algorithm. It’s very fast, especially on high-latency networks. It’s largely used to transfer files between a local host and a remote host. Like SFTP, SCP uses Secure Shell (SSH) as their transport layer used to secure logins and information moving between endpoints.

Comparing SCP:

SFTP – Secure File Transfer Protocol

Likely the best-known of the modern FTPs, SFTP can stand for both [SSH File Transfer Protocol and Secure File Transfer Protocol](/content/solutions/secure-ftp "Secure FTP Cornerstone"/index.html). It sends file transfers over Secure Shell (SSH) and implements multiple strong encryption algorithms to encrypt files. It’s among the most popular FTPs because it helps encrypt and authenticate data transfers to keep your sensitive information secure.

Comparing SFTP:

TCP – Transmission Control Protocol

TCP is network communication standard for application programs and computing devices. It defines how to establish and maintain a network connection that can then be used to exchange data, as well as how to break application data into packets and ensure end-to-end data delivery. It is included within the standards defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

Comparing TCP:

TFTP – Trivial File Transfer Protocol

TFTP is based on FTP but is stripped down: it only allows users to send and retrieve files. It’s less secure than FTP (which is already one of the least-secure file transfer protocols on this list!) and does not allow for user authentication.

Why is TFTP used? It’s great for one-time file transfers within a Local Area Network (LAN) – but avoid using it over the internet.

Comparing TFTP:

Managed File Transfer – The One FTP to Rule Them All

Managed File Transfer (MFT) is a secure file transfer solution that brings many file transfer protocols under one roof. Manage various trading partner preferences – AS2, SFTP, FTPS, and others – from a centralized dashboard, with the ability to track, audit, and automate every file transfer.