Which protocol is used for secure file transfer?

The protocol used for secure file transfer is SFTP. SFTP, or SSH File Transfer Protocol, provides file access, transfer, and management capabilities over a secure data stream. It is built on the SSH protocol, which means that it encrypts both the commands and the data being transmitted, providing confidentiality, integrity, and authentication. This makes SFTP a robust choice for securely managing files over untrusted networks.

While FTPS is also a secure option for file transfers, it is based on the original FTP and uses SSL/TLS for encryption. SFTP is generally preferred for its simplicity and compatibility with firewalls, as it operates over a single port, which helps streamline connections.

In contrast, FTP is an unsecured protocol that transmits data in plaintext, which poses significant security risks. HTTP, typically used for web traffic, does not provide secure file transfer capabilities unless it's using HTTPS, which is focused on web page security rather than file transfer specifically. Thus, SFTP stands out as the secure choice for secure file transfer.