Port for FTPS: Secure File Transfer Explained

Published {$created} by Viggo

In today's digital world, transferring files securely is paramount. One common method is FTPS (FTP Secure), which encrypts the data being transferred. But what port does FTPS use? Let's break it down.

What is FTPS?

FTPS is an extension of the standard FTP protocol that adds SSL/TLS encryption. It provides a secure way to transfer files over the internet. Unlike plain FTP, which sends data in plain text, FTPS encrypts both the control and data channels.

FTPS Ports

FTP typically uses port 21 for control and either port 20 for data (in active mode) or a different port for data (in passive mode). FTPS, however, uses port 21 for control and port 990 for data. This is the explicit FTPS mode, where the client negotiates the use of SSL/TLS on a different port.

There is also implicit FTPS, where the client connects to port 990 and assumes SSL/TLS from the start. However, explicit FTPS is more common and flexible.

Comparison with FTP and SFTP

While FTPS is secure, it is not the only option. SFTP (Secure FTP) uses port 22 (the same as SSH) and is often considered more secure because it runs over SSH. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is unsecured and should be avoided for sensitive data.

For more details on the differences between FTPS, FTP, and SFTP, check out our tutorial: FTP vs FTPS vs SFTP.

Using FTPS with ftpGrid

At ftpGrid, we support explicit FTPS with SSL over port 21 for control and 990 for data. You can set up your FTPS connection using FileZilla or any other FTP client. Our service is designed to be easy to use and secure.

To get started with FTPS, you can refer to our FTP Cloud Storage Getting Started guide.

Why Choose FTPS?

FTPS offers a balance between compatibility and security. It is widely supported and can be a good choice if you need to transition from FTP to a secure protocol without changing your existing infrastructure too much.

Conclusion

Understanding the port for FTPS is essential for secure file transfers. While SFTP is becoming increasingly popular due to its simplicity and security, FTPS remains a robust option for many organizations.