What is the Difference Between SFTP, SCP, and FISH Protocols

SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), SCP (Secure Copy), and FISH (File Transfer Protocol over SSH) are secure file transfer protocols that enable users to transfer files over the internet securely. Compared to conventional file transfer protocols such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), these protocols offer an added layer of security.

This article will discuss in detail about these three protocols by explaining the below content.

  • What is SFTP?
  • What is SCP?
  • What is FISH?

What is SFTP?

SFTP is a secure file transfer protocol that uses SSH (Secure Shell) to transfer files securely between two computers. It uses an encrypted connection, making it more secure than traditional FTP. SFTP is widely used in industries that require secure file transfer, such as banking and healthcare.

How Does SFTP Work?

By utilizing SSH to create a secure connection between the client and server, SFTP allows for safe browsing, uploading, and downloading of files after the established connection. SFTP uses public-key cryptography to authenticate users, and all data transferred between the client and server is encrypted.

Advantages of SFTP

Some advantages of SFTP are listed below:

  • Secure: SFTP uses an encrypted connection, making it more secure than traditional FTP.
  • Platform Independent: SFTP is platform-independent, meaning it can run on any operating system.
  • Flexible: SFTP allows users to transfer files in either ASCII or binary mode, making it suitable for transferring different types of files.

Disadvantages of SFTP

Some disadvantages of SFTP are listed below:

  • Slower than SCP: SFTP is slower than SCP (Secure Copy) because it encrypts the data during transfer.
  • More Complex: SFTP is more complex than traditional FTP, which may require additional configuration.

What is SCP?

SCP (Secure Copy), also known as Secure Copy, utilizes SSH to securely transfer files between two computers. While it shares similarities with SFTP, SCP uses a distinct file transfer method and also uses the public key to authenticate users.

How Does SCP Work?

SCP establishes an SSH connection between the client and server, then encrypts and transfers files. SCP uses public-key cryptography to authenticate users, and all data transferred between the client and server is encrypted.

Advantages of SCP

Some advantages of SCP are listed below:

  • Secure: SCP uses an encrypted connection, making it more secure than traditional FTP.
  • Faster than SFTP: SCP is faster than SFTP because it does not encrypt data during transfer.

Disadvantages of SCP

Some disadvantages of SCP are listed below:

  • Limited Functionality: SCP only supports file transfers, unlike SFTP, which can also provide directory listings and other features.
  • Platform Dependent: SCP is typically only available on Unix-based systems, making it less accessible to users on other platforms.

What is FISH?

FISH (File Transfer Protocol over SSH) is a protocol that enables users to transfer files over SSH. It is similar to SFTP and SCP but uses a different method for file transfer.

How Does FISH Work?

FISH works by establishing an SSH connection between the client and server, then transferring files over this connection. Unlike SFTP and SCP, FISH does not require a separate protocol for file transfer, as it uses the existing SSH connection.

Advantages of FISH

Some advantages of SCP are listed below:

  • Simple: FISH is straightforward to use, as it does not require a separate protocol for file transfer.
  • Faster than SFTP: FISH is faster than SFTP because it does not encrypt data during transfer.

Disadvantages of FISH

Some disadvantages of SCP are listed below:

  • Limited Functionality: FISH only supports file transfers, unlike SFTP, which can also provide directory listings and other features.
  • Platform Dependent: FISH is typically only available on Unix-based systems, making it less accessible to users on other platforms.

Conclusion

The SFTP, SCP, and FISH are all secure file transfer protocols that enable users to transfer files over the internet securely. While they share similarities, they also have significant differences, including how they work and their advantages and disadvantages.