Need Web Hosting with SFTP Support?
>> Get Dedicated IP Web Hosting with SFTP for just $1 / month >>Read More
File Transfer Benefits
How are files normally transferred on the Internet?
The standard method for transfer data on file servers is using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). It works on any virtually any operating system, computer, or platform that was designed with Internet connectivity in mind. Standard FTP requires a username and a password for access to the file server. Unfortunately standard FTP is insecure, as the username and password are sent in plain text across the Internet.
What is SFTP Support?
After the original File Transfer Protocol was created, the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) standard was created to address the security issues that standard FTP has. SFTP support means that your file server can encrypt user credentials so that passwords can't be intercepted as they travel across the internet. If you want to host a file server, SFTP support will help protect your data. SFTP support is highly recommended for any file server.
What's the risk of not having SFTP Support?
When data is sent over the Internet, it is sent in chunks called packets. Think of the Internet like the postal system, and packets as individual parcels of mail. Unencrypted packets can be read by anyone that touches it along the way, like a post card in the postal system. If your username and password are being sent across the Internet this way, anyone can see your credentials, and use them to access your file server. It's best to use encrypted packets for private data, like using a security envelope for bank statements in the postal system. SFTP support allows you to encrypt your credentials, so that prying eyes can't get your server's username and password.
When would I not need SFTP Support?
SFTP support isn't necessary if you have a file server you want everyone to access freely. If you have a free download you want anyone to access, you'll want support for
Anonymous FTP. This way people won't need a username or password to access the server and get the download. In order to have
Anonymous FTP, you'll need a dedicated IP
with your hosting account. Other than this exception, you really should have SFTP support to protect your server.
What do I need for SFTP Support?
For dedicated servers, you'll need to install the appropriate software, and have a dedicated IP in order to get SFTP Support. If you're using a shared server, you'll need a dedicated IP and a shared server that has SFTP support built in. If you're looking at services from web hosting companies, look into web hosting dedicated ip service that includes everything you need for SFTP support.
>>he.net offers web hosting with a dedicated IP and SFTP support for just $1 / month