Information Communication Technology ICT – 10 Communication | e-Consult

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for transferring files between a client and a server. It's designed specifically for uploading and downloading files, such as documents, images, and software.

FTP differs from HTTP in that it's optimized for file transfer. HTTP is primarily designed for transferring web content, while FTP is designed for transferring arbitrary files. FTP uses separate commands for commands (like login, directory changes) and data transfer. Data is transferred using a dedicated connection.

Using FTP without encryption has significant security implications. Data is transmitted in the clear, meaning usernames, passwords, and the contents of the files being transferred can be intercepted by anyone monitoring the network. This makes it vulnerable to eavesdropping and unauthorized access. Therefore, FTPS (FTP Secure) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), which use encryption, are strongly recommended for secure file transfer.