Glossary
Secure File Transfer Protocol, commonly referred to as SFTP, is a network protocol that allows for secure and reliable file transfer over a data stream. It is built on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, which provides a secure channel over an unsecured network in a client-server architecture.
SFTP is an upgrade to the traditional File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which transmits data in an unencrypted form, potentially exposing the data to malicious entities. SFTP, on the other hand, encrypts both commands and data, preventing passwords and sensitive information from being transmitted in clear text over the network.
A key feature of SFTP is that it ensures data integrity and confidentiality through SSH encryption. This means that your data is protected from unauthorized access during transit. Additionally, SFTP uses a single port (default is 22) to transmit data, simplifying the task of controlling traffic and configuring firewalls.
The SFTP protocol follows a client-server model, meaning you need both an SFTP client and an SFTP server to establish a connection. The client initiates the connection with the server by sending a request over SSH. After the server authenticates the client, a secure connection is established.
During an SFTP session, all command and data traffic is encrypted, ensuring secure file transfers. The server maintains the state of each file and directory, allowing clients to resume interrupted transfers, list directory content, and perform remote file management operations, such as file deletion and renaming.
One crucial aspect of SFTP is its ability to handle large file transfers efficiently. It does this by breaking the file into smaller packets, transmitting them, and then reassembling them at the destination. This feature is particularly valuable when transferring large files over unstable networks.
SFTP offers several key advantages that make it a popular choice for secure data transfer:
SFTP is commonly used in a variety of settings for securely transferring files, including:
At Socket, we understand the importance of secure and reliable file transfers, especially in the context of supply chain security. While SFTP provides a secure way to transfer files between servers, it's equally crucial to ensure the security of the packages being transferred.
Socket applies the principle of deep package inspection to scrutinize packages and their dependencies, in a similar way to how SFTP verifies the integrity of data during transfer. Socket scans for specific risk markers that could indicate a potential supply chain attack. This enables us to detect potentially compromised packages proactively, thus preventing a damaging breach before it occurs.
While SFTP ensures secure transmission of data, Socket takes security a step further by ensuring that the transferred open-source packages are free from supply chain attacks.
When implementing SFTP, consider the following best practices to enhance security:
As part of a secure development lifecycle, SFTP plays a critical role in providing secure and reliable file transfer, preventing unauthorized access to data in transit. Combined with deep package inspection solutions like Socket, SFTP is part of a holistic approach to secure software development, one that spans from code creation to its deployment.
Remember, security is not a one-time event, but a continuous process. Utilizing tools like SFTP and Socket can greatly aid in maintaining the integrity and security of your software supply chain.