You read that correctly: FTP does not encrypt your passwords, which makes one wonder why it even requires a password at all? SFTP encrypts your data, keeping not only the files and documents you transfer between computers safe, but also the passwords that protect those files. Most developers and programs have moved away from that old FTP format because it puts your data out in the open for anyone to find, so we’re going to skip past the basic FTP software and move on to SFTP. Okay, so you use FTP for transferring all your files, and you want a FileZilla alternative for strictly FTP use? Well, too bad. This means of transferring data encrypts your password and the data during the transfer, keeping it safe from prying eyes.ĪLSO READ: 6 TrueCrypt Alternatives for Reliable Data Encryption

FileZilla comes up early in searches for FTP and SFTP clients, but viable free and proprietary Filezilla alternatives do exist - some of them with more intuitive interfaces, better features, or connections to more tools.Īlthough FTP has been the go-to file transfer mode for almost 30 years, recent updates to security have caused many developers to switch to SFTP, or secure file transfer protocol.

Sftp netdrive alternative