What is the single largest complaint made about FTP? a. It is slow b. It is an old technology c. People don’t complain about FTP d. It poses a security risk
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: d. It poses a security risk
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is one of the oldest and most widely recognized methods for transferring files across networks, particularly the Internet. Despite its longstanding use, the single largest complaint about FTP is that it poses a security risk.
FTP was not designed with strong security features in mind. One of its major flaws is that it transmits data, including usernames and passwords, in plain text. This means that anyone with access to the data stream, such as a hacker monitoring a network, can easily intercept and read sensitive information. This vulnerability exposes systems to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential exploitation by malicious actors.
Another concern is the lack of encryption for the data being transferred. Since there is no default mechanism in traditional FTP to protect the integrity or confidentiality of the files being transmitted, the data is at risk of being tampered with or stolen during transit. Even passive or active FTP modes can be manipulated by attackers to bypass firewalls or open unintended ports, further widening the security gap.
To address these issues, more secure alternatives have been developed. Secure FTP (SFTP), which is based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, and FTPS, which adds SSL/TLS encryption to standard FTP, are both considered safer options. These protocols encrypt both login credentials and data, making them much more suitable for modern security requirements.
In summary, although FTP is functional and easy to implement, its lack of built-in security makes it a poor choice for transferring sensitive information. Organizations today prefer secure file transfer methods that protect against interception and unauthorized access. Therefore, the most common and significant complaint about FTP is clearly its security risk.