Demystifying MFT and SFTP: An In-Depth Comparison

Rajendraprasad Chittimalla

Authors

Rajendraprasad Chittimalla MS Information Systems Security, Software Engineer - Team Lead, Equifax Inc, USA. Author

Keywords:

MFT, SFTP, secure file transfer, data security, LDAP authentication, automation, file transfer protocols

Abstract

Managed File Transfer (MFT) and Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) are known to be critical secure file transfer technologies. While both ensure data security, they cater to different use cases and offer distinct features. MFT provides comprehensive management and automation, while SFTP focuses on secure and straightforward file transfers. This article examines the differences, considers their unique features, and discusses why companies mandate LDAP authentication between internal applications due to security attacks.

References

Mordor Intelligence, "Cloud MFT Market Size Source," Mordor Intelligence, 2022.

A. Bulgaro, "Use SFTP to Safely and Quickly Transfer File — Is It Truly Secure?," Medium, 01 03 2022. [Online]. Available: https://medium.com/@gamesworld94/use-sftp-to-safely-and-quickly-transfer-file-is-it-truly-secure-e296af07dc55.

C. o. M. S. i. E. a. A. Sciences, "Information Security Issues," Conference Zone, 2022, pp. 241-245, 2022.

A. G. L. J. J. Andrew M. Colarik, "Securing Data Transfers: An Integrity Algorithm for Error Recovery Triangulation.," in Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems, PACIS 2007, Auckland, New Zealand, 2007.

E. A. B. Z. Brandon Ross, "Managed File Transfer as a Cloud Service," in Cloud Computing for Data-Intensive Applications, New York, 2014, pp. 379-399.

D. Berube, "Transferring Files Securely with net-sftp," in Practical Ruby Gems, 2007.

D. Dunford, "Managed file transfer: the next stage for data in motion?," Network Security, vol. 2013, no. 9, pp. 12-15, 2013.

A. Bhushan, "A File Transfer Protocol," Network Working Group, MIT Project MAC, Cambridge, 1971.