Which of the data transfer protocols, FTP, SFTP, or SSH, is faster and more secure?

The performance (speed) of the data transfer protocols you've mentioned (FTP, SFTP, SSH) largely depends on the network conditions, file size, server setup, and other factors. But when it comes to security, the comparison is more straightforward.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is an old protocol for transferring files over a network. It's not secure because it doesn't encrypt data being transmitted. This means that data can be intercepted and read by anyone who has access to the network.

SSH (Secure Shell) isn't a file transfer protocol itself, but it is the protocol that SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is based on. SSH provides strong password and public key authentication, and it encrypts data during transmission, which makes it very secure.

SFTP is essentially FTP over SSH. It combines the functionality of FTP (i.e., file transfer) with the security of SSH. Files transferred over SFTP are encrypted, so it's highly secure, too.

If you're considering both speed and security, then SFTP is typically the best choice among the three. It combines the broad functionality and reliability of FTP while offering the encryption and authentication security of SSH. However, SFTP could be slower than FTP because encrypting and decrypting data requires additional computational resources.

The protocols' speed largely depends on the specific implementation, network conditions, software used, and numerous other factors. For example, the protocol overhead (extra communications necessary to maintain a secure connection) can slow down SFTP and SSH. In these cases, FTP, being less secure, might perform better in terms of speed.

More secure alternatives to FTP not mentioned before also include FTPS (FTP Secure) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). FTPS is just like FTP but adds a layer of security with SSL/TLS encryption. Similarly, HTTPS is used to securely transfer web content in a way that can't be easily intercepted or tampered with.

All in all, the choice between these protocols will seriously depend on what your priorities are. If you prioritize security (which is often the case), use SFTP, or FTPS.

If your key goal is maximum speed and you're transferring non-sensitive data over a secure, private network, then FTP might be more suitable.

SSH is not usually used for file transfers directly, but it forms the backbone of SFTP and can be used for secure copying of files using SCP (Secure Copy) command too. The SCP command uses SSH for data transfer and uses the same mechanisms for authentication, making it equally secure. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of SFTP, such as the ability to handle large files or resume interrupted transfers.

Newer systems and configurations may also support additional or different protocols that achieve the same goals (file transfer, security), so it's worth checking the particular system or software dоcumentation to see what they recommend.

The FTP protocol is used to interact with files and folders stored on a special file server from your local device. It allows you to delete, upload, and overwrite these files. However, FTP is known for its weak protection, which poses a security risk to your data. To address this issue, SFTP and SSH protocols are used to enhance data security.

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. Unlike regular FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, ensuring that passwords and personal information are protected during transmission over the network.

FTP via SSH is another approach to enhancing security. It involves tunneling a standard FTP session through an SSH connection. SSH, on the other hand, is an application-level network protocol that provides a secure way to transmit various network protocols even in an insecure environment.

It is crucial to prioritize data security when using FTP and consider implementing these secure alternatives, such as SFTP and SSH, to safeguard your information from potential threats.

The protocols can be categorized into 2 groups based on their purpose:

FTP and SFTP are protocols used for file transfer.

SSH is a protocol for managing operating systems.

Now let's talk about each of them:

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is widely used for transferring files between remote systems, such as between your computer and your hosting service.

SFTP ("SSH File Transfer Protocol" or "Secure File Transfer Protocol") is a separate protocol that operates similarly to FTP, but ensures a secure connection. Its advantage lies in its ability to securely transfer files and navigate the file system on both local and remote systems.

In most cases, SFTP is preferred over FTP due to its built-in encryption support. FTP, being an insecure protocol, should only be used in limited cases or on trusted networks. However, FTP remains more popular.

SSH, or "secure shell," is another protocol used to control operating systems, such as Linux, allowing remote work on a computer (server).