Why should you stop using FTP?

FTP or File Transfer Protocol is a method of transferring files that goes back to the beginnings of the internet. It offered users to upload and download files from servers. It is built into every kind of website authoring software and even into most web browsers. While it's becoming less common, some people and even businesses still use FTP. And they really should stop – there are many better alternatives out there these days!

So what's the main problem with FTP?

Developers came up with FTP, an indirect method of network use, in the 70s and 80s. That was a time when the internet was still in its early stages, and users mainly knew each other, the people using it weren't too concerned about security. After all, hacking attacks weren't frequent. And this is where the main problem with FTP lies – security. FTP standards were focused on basic commands and development of devices to access it and very little on the safety and security of files and other data being transferred.

Today, internet users are constantly under threat, and millions of dollars are being spent on either prevention of attacks or damage control after one has happened. FTP just doesn't work well in a world where over 30 million hacking attacks per day are considered standard.

1. It's not encrypted.

The majority of standard FTPs don't incorporate any encryption of crucial details such as your username, password and file contents. Username and password are sent in plain text, readable to anyone who can intercept network traffic. This means that anyone can take a peek into your business. You might not see this as a huge problem (but you really should). Not only is your data exposed to anyone, but it also works as a convenient gateway into your network. Hackers can use your personal information to access the network, attack other users in the network and cause a data breach.

Of course, there are upgraded versions of FTP, but some of them are not very encryption friendly. If you mess up, you could still be sending your data in a way anyone can see it.

2. Issues with big files.

Let's sum it up – transferring huge files over FTP is painfully slow and sometimes even fails (after waiting for a long time), sometimes not even notifying you of the failure. Imagine thinking you successfully sent that important design file and heading on holidays, only to hear from a client after you've already left for the airport that they haven't gotten the file? Nightmare.

3. Deleting files and folders is a pain.

If you ever had to delete a directory with hundreds of files on your FTP, you know what we're talking about. Files have to be deleted individually and recursively. An absolute waste of your precious time!

There are other issues with FTP that we could list on the top of these, but we're sure that the first point left you a little bit concerned (at least it should!) and you're wondering what you can use to replace sending a file through FTP?

What can you use instead of FTP?

Koofr cloud storage uses high-end encryption and other means of keeping your data safe and secure. We also don't limit the size of the files you upload to Koofr cloud storage. The transfer speed might depend on the speed of your internet connection, but we will let you know if the upload hasn't gone through.

Give it a go for FREE with an up to 10GB account. If you like it, we also have very affordable plans to upgrade to.

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