What is FTP and SFTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol – it is one of the oldest and most common ways to transfer files between computers over a network, especially between a client (your computer) and your JetHost Hosting account.

FTP is commonly used by website owners to upload, download, and manage files on their hosting servers. It’s a direct and efficient way to move large or multiple files without using a web interface.

What FTP does?

With FTP, you can:

Upload files from your local computer to your JetHost Hosting account (for example, your website files).
Download files from your JetHost Hosting account to your computer.
Manage files on the server – rename, delete, move, and more.

FTP provides flexibility and full access to your website’s file structure, which is helpful when working on updates, troubleshooting issues, or restoring content.

What is a FTP Client?

A FTP Client is a software that is designed to transfer files back-and-forth between two computers over the Internet. It needs to be installed on your computer and can only be used with a live connection to the Internet.

The classic FTP Client look is a two-panel design. The panel on the left displays the files on your computer and the panel on the right displays the files on the remote computer (or server).

File transfers are as easy as dragging-and-dropping files from one panel to the other or by highlighting a file and clicking one of the direction arrows located between the panels.

What is SFTP?

SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. It works as the secure, encrypted version of FTP and gives you a safer way to move files between your computer and your JetHost hosting account. Unlike standard FTP, SFTP protects every part of the connection. It encrypts your username, password, and data before anything leaves your device. As a result, no one on the network can read or intercept the information you send.

Port 21 – Standard FTP port. The connection is secured, but not encrypted.
Port 1022 – Used for SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). It is a different protocol that runs over SSH and is encrypted, which is more secure and commonly used today.

When you connect with SFTP:

Your password is encrypted
Your files are encrypted during transfer
Your connection cannot be viewed or intercepted by someone else on the network

How SFTP works?

SFTP runs over SSH (Secure Shell). Because of this, it uses the same encryption technology that system administrators rely on for secure server access. When you connect through SFTP, the protocol creates an encrypted tunnel and sends your data through it. This tunnel shields your login details and files from anyone who tries to monitor the connection.

Common FTP clients

Some of the most popular FTP clients are:

FileZilla
WinSCP
CuteFTP
Cyberduck

JetHost Experts Tip

We recommend using SFTP whenever possible. SFTP encrypts your data in transit. If you are on public WiFi, shared network, or a network that you do not trust. Encryption is essential to keep your data secured.

Need more help?

If you need help setting up your FTP client or connecting to your JetHost hosting account, our Support Team is ready to assist. Open a ticket through your Client Area → Support Tickets, and we’ll help you find the correct login details and connection settings for secure file transfers.