FTP, a protocol developed in the 1970s, is painfully outdated. It transmits data in plain text, making it vulnerable to breaches, and its transfer speeds can’t keep up with modern demands.

But don’t worry, there are smarter options available. This article explains how SFTP and FTPS address FTP’s flaws. It also discusses why cloud-based platforms are becoming the go-to for secure file transfers. We’ll also explore which methods give you detailed activity logs, better compliance, and full control over your data.

Read on to find the best file transfer solution for your needs. Discover why ditching FTP could be the smartest move this year.

What Is FTP and Its Limitations?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) has been around since 1971. Millions of people still use it to share files. Despite its age, FTP remains popular because it’s simple and widely supported. However, its limitations are becoming more obvious in today’s digital world.

FTP doesn’t have strong security features. It sends files in plain text, making them easy to intercept. This is a big problem for businesses that handle sensitive data. The basic login system doesn’t protect against unauthorized access, which is not good enough today.

FTP also has performance issues, especially with big files. High traffic or servers far away can slow down transfers. This causes delays when many users are uploading files. Plus, FTP only allows files up to 2 GB, limiting its use for large data transfers.

Companies looking for secure data sharing are moving away from FTP. They’re choosing Managed File Transfer (MFT) solutions instead. MFT offers encryption and strong authentication, meeting strict data protection rules. SFTP and FTPS also provide better security, with SFTP encrypting all data and FTPS supporting two-factor authentication.

As businesses focus on secure and efficient file sharing, FTP’s shortcomings are pushing them towards better options. These newer protocols offer stronger security, faster transfers, and better meet today’s data protection standards.

Why Consider Alternatives to FTP?

Cyber threats have grown, and so require better security. Now, big web browsers like Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge don’t support FTP anymore. This shows a big change in how we transfer files.

Secure file sharing is now more important than ever. FTP sends your login details in plain text, making them easy to intercept. This means hackers could steal your data, potentially causing expensive data breaches. Safe file transfer options protect your sensitive information better.

FTP also has other problems. It doesn’t notify senders when recipients receive or download the files. Files stay on servers until deleted, using up space and money. Setting up new FTP accounts also needs IT help, making it hard to manage users and costing more time and money.

Today, there are better options than FTP. They offer strong encryption, detailed logs, and automation. These features make file transfers safer and more efficient. They help businesses use file transfers as a strategic advantage, meeting important rules like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS.

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Popular Alternatives to FTP

FTP played a critical role in early internet file transfers. But its reliance on plain text and outdated username-password authentication makes it highly vulnerable to attacks. As a result, many industries, especially those in media, finance, and healthcare, are actively switching to safer, more modern alternatives. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  • SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): SFTP is a highly secure alternative that encrypts both commands and data. It operates over SSH, providing strong protection against interception. Ideal for users and organizations that prioritize data security.
  • FTPS (FTP Secure): FTPS adds SSL/TLS encryption to traditional FTP. It uses port 990 by default but also supports explicit FTPS (on port 21) and implicit FTPS (on port 990). Most users prefer explicit FTPS because it offers more flexibility and compatibility.
  • Managed File Transfer (MFT) Systems: MFT platforms like MOVEit Transfer support secure protocols such as SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, and AS2. They also offer encryption, automated workflows, and audit logs. Over 10,000 companies rely on MOVEit for secure file sharing.
  • Cloud-Based Transfer Solutions: More organizations are moving to the cloud for secure file sharing. Tools like Dropbox, Google Workspace, and OneDrive offer encryption and collaboration features.

With over 21 million FTP servers still in operation globally, the shift to more secure alternatives is both timely and necessary. Upgrading to one of these modern solutions can help protect sensitive data, streamline operations, and improve compliance across the board.

SFTP: A Secure Alternative

SFTP is a strong option for safe data sharing. It’s different from regular FTP because it uses SSH encryption. This makes it perfect for companies that handle sensitive data or need to follow strict rules.

What makes SFTP stand out is its ability to transfer files securely. It needs a user ID, password, and SSH keys for access. This multi-step process greatly lowers the chance of data leaks.

SFTP only uses one port (22), making it easier to set up firewalls. This boosts security and cuts down on risks. It also meets standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS, making it a top pick for data safety.

Using SFTP can prevent big fines from data breaches. It also reduces the chance of mistakes in file transfers. Plus, it scrambles the data, making it hard to read if someone intercepts it. As more companies move to the cloud, SFTP’s role in safe data sharing will grow.

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Understanding FTPS for Advanced Security

FTPS is a step up from traditional FTP. It adds SSL/TLS encryption to both control and data channels. This makes it more secure. FTPS has two modes: implicit and explicit. Implicit FTPS needs an SSL connection first. Explicit FTPS gives the sender and receiver the power to decide whether to encrypt the data.

FTPS is great because it works with existing FTP systems. This is good for companies wanting better security without changing everything. FTPS uses SSL/TLS for security and needs multiple ports, which can be tricky for firewalls.

However, FTPS has its challenges. Managing certificates can be hard, and its need for multiple ports can block some firewalls. Still, FTPS is a strong choice for businesses needing top security. This is especially true for industries like healthcare or finance that have strict rules.

WebDAV as a Versatile File Transfer Solution

WebDAV makes HTTP more powerful for file sharing. It lets users upload, download, and edit files on remote servers. This is great for teams working together.

WebDAV is different from FTP because it offers more control over permissions and file locking. It works well with Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it a top choice for teams and for keeping documents safe.

WebDAV is also secure. When used with HTTPS, it’s as safe as FTPS. Some services, like MultCloud, add extra security with 256-bit AES encryption and OAuth.

WebDAV is especially useful when you need to control who can do what with files. It lets web servers act like file servers. This is different from cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Cloud Storage Solutions for File Transfer

Cloud storage has changed how we transfer files. It offers more space, easy access, and better security. Companies like CentreStack have won over 1000 IT Solution Providers and Enterprises for their cloud services.

Cloud storage is great for big file transfers. Cloud-based file transfer services don’t have size limits like email attachments do. This is super helpful for businesses with lots of data or high-quality media.

Secure file sharing is a big plus of cloud storage. Many services use top-notch encryption and access controls. For example, FileCloud uses AES encryption for data at rest and SSL/TLS for data in transit. This is key for businesses with sensitive info, like healthcare.

Cloud storage also makes teamwork better. It has features like real-time editing, version control, and file locking. These help teams work together smoothly, no matter where they are. This is especially good for big companies looking to make their file transfers more efficient.

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Using File Sync and Sharing Services

File sync and sharing services have changed how we share and work on digital files. They offer an easy way to share files for both personal and business needs. Unlike old FTP methods, these services let you work together in real time, manage versions, and connect with other tools smoothly.

Services like Google Drive and Dropbox are favorites for many. They have simple interfaces and strong features for easy file sharing and access. You can sync files across devices, so you always have the newest version ready. File sharing is key online, and these services make it easy and fast.

These platforms also focus on keeping your files safe. They use strong encryption and user checks to protect your data. They also have features like password-protected links and file expiration dates. This security and simplicity make them a great choice over old file transfer methods for both businesses and individuals.

Comparing FTP and Cloud-Based Options

Cloud-based options are gaining popularity as an alternative to FTP. Setting up an FTP server can cost around $5,000, plus ongoing maintenance costs. On the other hand, cloud computing prices have fallen by 66% since 2014, starting at just $0.12 per hour. This makes cloud services a more affordable choice for businesses.

Cloud-based file transfer has many benefits over FTP. Over 50% of companies now transfer sensitive data to the cloud, seeing improvements in just six months. Cloud solutions are also faster, especially for large files or when transferring multiple files at once. This is a big plus compared to FTP’s slow speeds with big files.

Security is another area where cloud solutions excel. Unlike FTP, which lacks built-in security, cloud options provide strong protection. For example, services like TitanFile offer end-to-end encryption. This is vital for handling sensitive information and helps businesses meet strict regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.

FTP has been around since the early days of the internet. But cloud file transfer solutions offer more flexibility, scalability, and better performance. With 82% of companies saving money by switching to the cloud, it’s clear that cloud-based alternatives to FTP are the preferred choice for modern businesses.

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How To Choose the Right Alternative to FTP

With so many file transfer solutions available today, finding the right FTP alternative can feel overwhelming. The key is to match the tool to your specific needs—think about how often you transfer files, how large those files are, and what level of security you require.

  1. Start With Your File Transfer Needs: If your work involves transferring large files or sending multiple files at once, prioritize solutions optimized for speed and reliability. A platform that can handle bulk data efficiently will help prevent delays and downtime.
  2. Prioritize Strong Security Features: Security should be non-negotiable. Older FTP protocols leave data exposed to risk. Hackers leaked over 2.3 billion files through insecure transfers between 2018 and 2019. To protect sensitive information, look for tools that offer:
  • End-to-end encryption
  • User access controls
  • Audit logs and monitoring
  1. Consider a Managed File Transfer (MFT) Solution: MFT systems are among the most robust alternatives. They support multiple protocols (SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS), encrypt files during transfer, and provide full visibility into file activity. Importantly, they also help you stay compliant with industry standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. MFT solutions are compatible with local servers, cloud platforms, and hybrid environments, making them highly flexible and scalable for growing businesses.
  2. Choose for Now — and for the Future: Don’t just pick a tool that meets your current needs — choose one that can grow with your business. Look for features like user-friendly dashboards, automation capabilities, and easy integration with your existing systems.

By selecting a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use alternative to FTP, you’ll ensure smoother operations today and stronger data protection tomorrow.

Upgrade Your File Sharing: Say Goodbye to FTP for Good

In today’s fast-paced, cloud-first world, clinging to FTP is like using dial-up in a fiber-optic era. Whether you’re managing media assets, collaborating across time zones, or handling sensitive client files, outdated file transfer protocols just won’t cut it anymore.

Modern file sharing is all about speed, security, and seamless integration, and that’s exactly what the best FTP alternatives deliver.

We developed for the modern media ecosystem. With robust encryption, powerful content sharing tools, and effortless access controls, DivShare makes it easy to transfer large files without compromise.

Ready to leave FTP behind and simplify how you share media? Join thousands of creators and teams who trust DivShare for secure, cloud-based file transfer and content hosting.

Sign up today at DivShare and experience smarter, safer sharing—no FTP required.