Without a doubt, one of the most important elements of modern computing is file transfers.
Different types of transfers are used as different methods of transferring data – two of the main types will be discussed today: TFTP and SFTP.
This article will aim to provide a valuable oversight of both TFTP and SFTP, as well as highlighting their key features, advantages and disadvantages, and why choosing the right type of file transfer is important for transferring data securely.
What is TFTP?
TFTP is an acronym for Trivial File Transfer Protocol. It is a lockstep file transfer protocol (FTP) that allows a client to either put a file onto a remote host or receive a file from a remote host.
Its primary function is for transferring files between two devices on the same local network and is a simple option when it comes to secure data transfer.
Furthermore, it operates over the User Data Protocol (UDP), which specialises in simplicity.
From a business perspective, TFTP is the most suitable option to choose where a fast file transfer protocol is essential. Examples of this can include updating hardware or network device configurations.
When it comes to its operating system, TFTP has three distinctive modes of transfer: these are read, write, and data.
Read mode is when the client requests an existing file from the server.
Write mode is when the client device sends a new file to the server.
Data mode is when the client device will receive a response upon the completion of the data transfer.
Advantages of TFTP
There are several advantages associated with TFTP, which will be discussed in greater detail below.
Very Simple to Use
The first significant advantage of TFTP is its simplicity – it is incredibly easy to use, and regardless if anyone is experienced or entirely new for sharing files, TFTP is very easy to get to grips with.
Moreover, this makes it the go-to option for businesses operating from home or with networks with limited resources, such as small home networks.
As for the protocol itself, it is purposefully designed to be minimalistic and simple – the main focus is on the file-transferring element, and nothing else.
No Authentication Required
A secondary benefit is that no authentication is required.
Once again, with TFTP, the focus is on its speed and efficiency – meaning that there is no waiting around for someone else to complete 2FA (two-factor authentication) or MFA (multi-factor authentication) requests.
It also eliminates any time wasted for someone who cannot remember their username and password, and the IT support department has to be contacted and a ticket set up, which ultimately leads to more downtime for everyone involved.
While this may initially appear like a security risk, particularly where sensitive data is involved, due to the speed at which file transfers are completed via TFTP means that the likelihood that files or data will be compromised is unlikely.
No Size Limit on Files
Another advantage of TFTP is that the transferred files have no size limit. This means that no matter how large a file is, it can always be transferred via TFTP.
This can be very useful due to its speed once again, particularly if large files are being transferred which can often take a long time, leading to potential downtimes between businesses while in the process of doing so.
Being able to cut this extra time out and transfer the files efficiently, smoothly and quickly makes for a seamless file transfer process.
Compatibility with Other Devices
TFTP is also renowned for its compatibility with a number of devices, making it a go-to option for many people and businesses alike when it comes to file transfers.
This is largely due to its simplicity – it does not take a PhD in computer science to understand TFTP, something which other computing devices seem to also understand.
Ease of Implementation
A further attractive feature of TFTP is its ease of implementation.
This is thanks to its small code footprint, which contributes to its simplistic nature.
After all, it would be counterproductive to design a system that is based on the ease of file transfers and its simplistic nature, only to then make it borderline impossible to implement on any device or computer.
Disadvantages of TFTP
Of course, there are also some downsides to using TFTP, which will be discussed in further detail below.
Security Issues
Perhaps the first one that jumps to mind is the lack of security associated with TFTP.
Whenever file transfers are involved in sending sensitive data, there is always a risk of a data breach.
With TFTP, the lack of authentication and encryption renders this a security risk.
Therefore, TFTP is an unsuitable option when it comes to transferring data over public networks, or even unsecured networks as it does not follow secure protocols to the extent that SFTP does.
Limited Error Recovery
TFTP also does not have a recovery mechanism. This means that no error checks are performed, which can lead to a myriad of issues, including data problems.
Examples of this can include either corrupted or sometimes incomplete file transfers. Further, this can lead to a user receiving an incomplete file with no recovery option available.
Advanced Operation Difficulties
Because TFTP is designed for simplicity, it can struggle with adapting to advanced file operations, such as renaming files automatically or symbolic link creation.
it also does not support directory listing, which can be a difficulty when it comes to business data management.
Network Congestion
Because TFTP uses UDP, multiple packets can be sent at one time without waiting for acknowledgements.
This can use up valuable time and can easily cause network congestion.
What is SFTP?
Now that we have discussed what TFTP is, as well as listed its advantages and disadvantages, we can move on to SFTP.
We will revisit TFTP later in this article for a side-by-side analysis and comparison between the two to establish if one option is more viable than the other.
We will also return to both of them in the conclusion and provide some insight into which one – if either – is better suited for your business needs.
SFTP, an acronym for Secure File Transfer Protocol, is a network protocol for securely transferring, accessing and managing large files and sensitive data.
It was originally designed by the Internet Engineering Task Force as an extension of Secure Shell (SSH). It enables secure FTP (file transfer protocol), management of and access to large files over a network.
In turn, because it operates over SSH, it means that it provides both authentication and encryption mechanisms. These both help to ensure a smooth yet secure file transfer process.
Advantages of SFTP
There are many advantages to SFTP which will be discussed in further detail below.
Data Security
Arguably the first feature which comes to mind as an advantage of SFTP can be found in the first word represented by the first letter of its acronym: “Secure”, or security.
This also sets it aside from its competitor, TFTP, but more will be discussed on that later on in the article.
SFTP encrypts data during the transmission process, which prevents any unauthorised access as well as ensures the confidentiality of the transferred files.
This is a highly attractive feature for all kinds of businesses, particularly those who deal with important sensitive data day in and day out – nobody wants their important data read or leaked during the transfer process, which is why SFTP is the go-to option from a data security point of view.
Portability
SFTP is also a highly compatible method of file transfer, and its portability means that it is able to be used on any platform or web browser that supports SSH.
This means that it is compatible with computers that operate on Windows, MacOS or Linux.
Data Integrity
Another advantage which harks to its secure nature, SFTP includes data integrity checks.
These checks help to make sure that any data during the transfer process has not been tampered with.
It achieves this through the hashing of algorithms and digital signatures. This also means that the recipient receives an exact copy of the file that was initially sent by the sender.
Firewall Friendly
SFTP is firewall friendly which again makes it a suitable option for many businesses. This is because it operates over a single SSH connection.
Therefore, organisations, companies and businesses that have strict firewall policies in place can find it easy to manage SFTP traffic, as it does not have any firewalls to traverse over or through.
Support for Advanced Operations
Many of these advantages seem to directly pit SFTP against TFTP, but the fact that SFTP is compatible and friendly with advanced operations is a clear benefit.
Because it supports various advanced operations such as file renaming and symbolic link creation, this means that it can be used for a wider variety of uses, including backup operations, file transfers and remote file management.
Disadvantages of SFTP
In order to provide a fair balance of both TFTP and SFTP, while there are a number of benefits associated with them, there are also a range of disadvantages. These will be discussed below with regard to SFTP.
Complexity
SFTP is much more complex than an FTP server of TFTP.
This means that a much higher level of understanding is required in order to set it up (including the set up of SSH keys), which in turn can cost more money to hire a specialist who knows how to do so.
Furthermore, the SSH keys will need management and distribution, which can add to the level of complexity associated with SFTP, as well as incur more time to set up overall.
Performance Times
Another drawback to SFTP is that it can be inadequate for real-time applications because of delays due to extra security measures and even the time it takes for encryption.
Where real-time data transfers are necessary, SFTP is not the most suitable option for this reason previously mentioned.
Security Issues
This one may come as a surprise, but SFTP can have some security issues, despite the extra layers of protection it offers when compared to TFTP. This comes down to the fact that it – like almost anything on the Internet – is not immune to cyber-attacks or hackers.
Resource Intensive
SFTP is also known to be resource-intensive, particularly when it comes to the usage of CPU. In fact, it is a lot more resource-intensive than TFTP.
The additional resource requirements of SFTP can be detrimental to those who work in environments with limited computing resources like embedded systems.
It is imperative that users choose the most suitable option given the resources that are at their disposal when it comes to both SFTP and TFTP, to fully understand which one will benefit them and their business, company or organisation more.
Comparative Analysis of TFTP vs SFTP
While both TFTP and SFTP have been discussed individually, and their key features, advantages and disadvantages have been explained above, it is important to be able to comparatively analyse them both side by side for a more thorough overview of them both.
Security Features
TFTP:
When it comes to security features, TFTP stands out straight away due to its lack of them – that is to say, it does not have any built-in security features.
Therefore, any data that is transferred via TFTP is at risk of being compromised by unauthorised access, such as hackers or cyber criminals – and arguably, more at risk than data that SFTP transfers.
In turn, this means that TFTP is typically best suited for any scenario in a business, company or organisation where security is not a major concern. Examples of this include data transfers which will happen via closed local networks, or when the data being transferred is not sensitive data, or rather, non-sensitive information.
SFTP:
In stark comparison to TFTP, SFTP has some extra security layers and features included. These include user authentication, data encryption, and data integrity checks.
In addition, because SFTP requires the use of SSH, this means that the data being transferred is much safer than data being transferred via TFTP.
This makes SFTP an attractive option for businesses that need to transfer sensitive or private data.
Therefore, SFTP should be the preferred option for businesses, companies or organisations where data security is a number one priority.
SFTP should be the number one choice in a scenario where sensitive data transfers could be happening over a public network.
Performance and Efficiency
TFTP:
One of the major USPs (unique selling points) of TFTP is its speed.
This is partly due to its lack of extra layers of security, such as MFA or 2FA, but this also helps to contribute to overall faster speeds when it comes to performance.
For businesses who are searching for faster speeds for data transfers, TFTP is the most attractive option.
SFTP:
While generally slower than TFTP, SFTP is not exactly a snail compared to TFTP if TFTP is a cheetah.
However, as was stated above, SFTP is generally the go-to option if security during the data transfer process is the priority.
Therefore, its speed is a moot point – and most companies or businesses are willing to operate with slower speeds if it means that their data is safer during transit.
Scalability and Flexibility
TFTP:
As a side-by-side comparison of the two, TFTP is by far the easier option to set up.
When it comes to its flexibility, too, TFTP emerges as the winner at first glance thanks to its compatibility with other devices and software.
Because both its server configurations and its client configurations are straightforward, this means that it is easy to deploy quickly.
This can be ideal in instances where speed is of the essence, such as in temporary configurations or emergency network setups.
SFTP:
When it comes to scalability and flexibility, SFTP is not too dissimilar.
Granted, its configuration is more difficult because it has extra steps – largely due to its additional security features – such as the set-up of SSH keys.
However, from a flexibility point of view, SFTP probably just edges TFTP.
It is compatible with computers that run on Linux, Windows and MacOS, thereby making it an attractive option for those who have a range of different devices or for companies, businesses or organisations that require transfers across numerous different devices as part of a data management strategy.
Business Implications for TFTP vs SFTP
Before deciding whether TFTP or SFTP is the preferred or more suitable option for your business, it is important to consider the implications that each can have on your business.
Security and Regulatory Compliance
One aspect which is important to discuss with regard to TFTP vs SFTP in business is the question of “Does it meet regulatory requirements?”
TFTP does not generally meet strict regulatory requirements, especially those where security is paramount because of its lack of security features.
On the other hand, SFTP is the safer option to opt for with regard to ensuring that security requirements are met.
Examples of an industry where SFTP would be preferred are government, finance, and healthcare. In other words, industries where data security is of utmost importance.
Costs
Businesses who are conscious of costs (and with costs ever increasing in today’s economy this is not a far-fetched statement) should be looking towards TFTP rather than SFTP.
TFTP is by far the more cost-effective option to choose, given that it is generally implemented using lightweight, open-source solutions.
However, that is not to discount SFTP at all. While it offers higher levels of protection, it does mean that it incurs higher costs.
But in saying that, companies, businesses and organisations who need this extra security and the range of other benefits discussed above that SFTP offers over TFTP, should factor this into their budgets.
Ultimately, businesses – especially those in the government, healthcare or finance industries – should look at whether saving money is more important than data security potentially being compromised.
Conclusions
Ultimately, the choice of TFTP vs SFTP is down to the business, company or organisation and what they value the most.
For those who are more concerned about quick transfer speeds and low costs, TFTP is the option to choose.
SFTP, on the other hand, is the preferred option for those businesses, companies or organisations who regularly deal with sensitive data and can be putting themselves or their clients at major risk should the data be compromised at any point during the transfer process.
While both TFTP and SFTP have their own disadvantages too, it is important to weigh these up against the positives and realise that they both offer suitable yet different ways of data transfer and that there is a suitable option for any business out there.