FTP is a widely-used and effective method of transferring files from one computer or server to another. However, it is not the most secure of mechanisms. To make the process of file sharing more secure, a reliable proxy server can be used. To gain a better understanding of how these two systems work together, let’s first look at what FTP and proxy servers are.
What Is FTP?
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a network protocol used to transfer files between two computers over a TCP/IP connection. This is widely used in many businesses today to share files between remote computers.
In an FTP transfer, there is a local host and a remote host. The local host is the computer of the end user, while the remote host is the other computer or server involved in the transaction. Both computers must be connected to a network, and the client must install FTP software to access the service.
Once connected to the remote server, the client can utilize FTP to save, move, copy, delete, download, rename, and upload files.
What Is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, connecting you to websites, apps, games, and other online destinations. It uses its own IP address instead of yours, thus hiding your device’s personal information such as your IP address and location. The proxy server takes the requests you make to online servers, processes them, and sends the requests to their destinations. It also receives the responses from these servers before forwarding them back to you. This is how it works on your behalf, protecting your online privacy and security by keeping your IP address and location hidden.
Advantages of Using a Proxy for FTP
When the file transferring protocol was designed, there were not many online security concerns as the internet was only available in research centers and universities, making computer networks seem safe. However, as the internet has become more accessible, the risk of cybercrime and other online threats has grown, making FTP (File Transfer Protocol) a less secure option due to its lack of encryption. As FTP transfers file data and user authentication data in plain text over the network, it can lead to data leaks and user authentication details being stolen. To help counter this, a proxy can be used to add an extra layer of security to the transfer, hiding the traffic from cybercriminals and providing a new IP address to use during the transfer. Additionally, a proxy server will deny or allow the transfer based on the IP address of the source and destination, user authentication, and other factors, making it a great option for businesses to protect valuable and sensitive data from breaches.
What Are the Best Proxies for FTP?
If you want to increase the security of your file transferring protocol, it is best to go with residential proxies. These proxies offer legitimate IP addresses from real users and real ISPs, and provide superior online privacy and security. If you anticipate transferring large amounts of data, then datacenter proxies may be a better option, as they have no bandwidth limitations. However, it is important to get these residential proxies from a reliable provider like OneProxy, rather than opting for free proxies. Though free proxies may seem attractive, they cannot guarantee the security of your data, which is invaluable.
