• SFTP vs FTPS
  • SFTP is not actually an FTP solution.  It does not use the FTP protocol as the transport.  It’s SecureFTP which runs over SSH, and encrypted communication protocol. SecureFTP runs the communication over one port for both command and data.
  • FTPS is FTP over SSL.  It is an FTP implementation which encrypts the communication sockets. Like standard FTP, it uses one port for command communication, and a different port for the actual transport of data.  It can be implemented in two different modes:
    • Explicit: This is the preferred method according to RFC 4217. The client connects to the server port 21 and starts an unencrypted FTP session as normal, but requests that TLS security be used and performs the appropriate handshake before sending any sensitive data. With explicit, you are able to specify if the data connection is encrypted or not.
    • Implicit:  the client connects to a different port (usually 990), and an SSL handshake is performed before any FTP commands are sent. With implicit, the data connection will automatically be encrypted.
  • Though there is some varied opinion, it is generally accepted that these are comparable ways to secure your file transfer.  

3Essentials policy regarding support of SFTP or FTPS: 

• Shared hosting
  • 3Essentials currently does not currently support SFTP or FTPS on shared hosting plans.
• Dedicated Server hosting
  • Managed Dedicated Server
    • SFTP is available as an add-on.  SFTP is provided via addition of WinSSHD to support SFTP connections; this configuration is not integrated in the control panel management.  Please inquire with your dedicated server sales rep about this topic during the sales process.  Or, if you’re a current customer, please contact Support or Sales.
  • Dedicated Server (unmanaged)
    • As you provide your own server and FW management, you can implement this solution if you wish.