FTPS
FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure) is an extension of the standard FTP protocol that adds support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocols to secure file transfers. It provides encryption for data in transit, protecting sensitive information like login credentials and file contents from eavesdropping and tampering. FTPS operates in two modes: explicit (FTPES) where security is negotiated after connection, and implicit where a secure connection is required from the start.
Developers should use FTPS when transferring files over networks where security is a concern, such as in financial, healthcare, or government applications that handle sensitive data. It is particularly useful for automating secure file uploads/downloads in applications, integrating with legacy systems that require FTP, and complying with data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA that mandate encrypted transmissions.