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MFT vs. SFTP: Which One Should You Use?

by Patrick Spencer updated February 7, 2024 Managed File Transfer

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File transfer plays a crucial component in nearly every organization’s operations. Two common file transfer mechanisms are secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) and managed file transfer (MFT). Both serve a valuable purpose in most organizations. While one might be a better option in certain scenarios, there is no denying they each have a place in every organization.

In this post, we’ll take a close look at each solution, including their unique strengths and limitations, and provide some common use cases that should help you decide which solution to use.

Still debating between FTP and managed file transfer? Here are six reasons why managed file transfer is better than FTP .

SFTP: File Privacy and Integrity

Secure file transfer protocol (SFTP), also known as SSH File Transfer Protocol, is a network protocol that provides file transfer and manipulation facilities over an SSH (Secure Shell) connection. Originally designed by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), SFTP encrypts both commands and data, preventing passwords and sensitive information from being transmitted in clear text over the network. This ensures secure transfer of files, making it a standard choice for many businesses.

SFTP is a go–to method for businesses needing secure and efficient file transfers. With its sophisticated encryption measures, SFTP ensures that data remains confidential during transmission.

Unlike its file transfer counterparts, SFTP guarantees both the integrity and privacy of files, making it ideal for businesses handling sensitive information. It doesn’t just transfer but also manages and organizes files remotely, providing a comprehensive solution. While other mechanisms such as managed file transfer offer advanced features, the simplicity, security and reliability of SFTP make it a valuable choice for most businesses.

Furthermore, SFTP is firewall friendly, as it only uses a single port for all communication, making it easier to secure. The protocol also allows for resume of file transfer, which means that large file transfers can be interrupted and then continued from where they left off. This proves to be invaluable for businesses with large amounts of data transfer.

Managed File Transfer: File Security and Transfer Efficiency

Managed file transfer (MFT), by contrast, is a technology platform that utilizes administrative controls, support for security protocols (like HTTPS, FTPS, SFTP, etc.), automation, and auditing capabilities to manage the secure transfer of data between systems. In simpler terms, managed file transfer provides a safe and efficient solution for exchanging data between servers, systems, and people within or between organizations.

Managed file transfer also offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring files remain secure not only during transmission but also when at rest at the source or destination. It also goes beyond basic secure file transfer capabilities and provides features like automation, centralization, and control, leading to improved accuracy and reduced manual intervention. Given these advanced features, managed file transfer is often preferred by larger organizations with complex transfer needs.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

SFTP vs. MFT:
SFTP is a secure file transfer protocol that ensures data confidentiality and integrity during transmission. MFT employs various protocols, including SFTP, and offers automation, centralized control, and detailed auditing capabilities.
Use Cases for SFTP:
SFTP is well-suited for transferring large data volumes between servers, such as data backups, system integrations, and remote file manipulations.
Use Cases for Managed File Transfer:
MFT excels in enterprise-level environments with complex file transfer requirements, regulatory compliance needs, business process automation, and the ability to handle large file sizes efficiently and securely.
Security Advantages of MFT:
MFT’s robust security features, including end-to-end encryption and multi-protocol support, make it a preferred choice for organizations where data security is mandatory.
Choosing the Right Solution:
The decision between SFTP and MFT depends on an organization’s specific needs and requirements, such as file transfer size and volume, automation, security, visibility, and auditability.

SFTP and Managed File Transfer: Key Differences

Though SFTP and MFT serve a similar purpose, namely file transfer, they are quite different in their capabilities.

SFTP is a protocol that provides a method for transferring files securely across networks, whereas managed file transfer is a solution that uses various protocols, including SFTP, but with additional features and controls for managing the entire file transfer process.

SFTP ensures files are moved securely, empowering organizations to maintain data integrity and confidentiality during file transfers. While it provides a foundational level of security, SFTP is devoid of some advanced functionalities that are often required for more complex file transfer scenarios. SFTP, for example, does not offer comprehensive logging, file transfer automation, real–time notifications, or centralized control. These functions are critical in scenarios that demand sophisticated file transfer operations and control mechanisms, which SFTP alone can’t provide.

Managed file transfer comes equipped with a variety of extra features and control mechanisms, designed to efficiently manage the entirety of the file transfer process. These additional features and capabilities include, but are not limited to, detailed logging for audit purposes, automation of file transfers for efficiency, real–time notifications for timely updates, and centralized control for easier management.

Ultimately, managed file transfer is not simply a protocol but an all–encompassing solution that employs various protocols, including SFTP. Think of managed file transfer as a suite of services designed to address various elements of the file transfer process. As a result, managed file transfer takes the file transfer process a step further, making it a preferable choice for businesses that require advanced file transfer management; it’s a more comprehensive solution.

So, if managed file transfer is more comprehensive than SFTP, should organizations just use managed file transfer for all their file transfer needs? Not necessarily. Let’s look at a few use cases for each solution in an effort to better understand how each system has its place in a modern organization.

Best Use Cases for SFTP

SFTP is generally favored in scenarios that require routinely transferring large volumes of data between servers or systems within a secure network. Here are a few typical use cases:

Data Backup: Organizations frequently use SFTP for scheduled backups of crucial data. Due to its ability to resume interrupted downloads, SFTP proves invaluable for this task. Why? The data backup process becomes more efficient and secure as potential data loss due to interruption is significantly reduced, ensuring a smooth and more reliable backup operation.
System Integration: SFTP is often used in system integration scenarios where different systems need to exchange data securely. These scenarios may include data migration between different database systems, data synchronization between different business applications, or even data backup and recovery systems. SFTP provides an extra layer of security to these data exchanges by employing encryption mechanisms, therefore ensuring the data is not compromised during the transfer. This makes SFTP a top choice for systems needing to execute secure and reliable data transfers.
Remote File Manipulation: SFTP is also used when remote file manipulation is necessary, as it allows for commands to be performed on the files during transfer. This is due to SFTP’s capability to allow commands to be executed on the files during the course of the data transfer process. This can encompass various operations, such as moving, copying, and renaming files among others. Therefore, SFTP not only facilitates secure file transfer but also acts as a tool for remote file management, making it a versatile and practical choice for managing file transfers and operations.

Best Use Cases for Managed File Transfer

Managed file transfer shines in scenarios that require advanced file transfer functionalities like multi–protocol support, detailed audit trails, and large file handling. Among the many use cases, here are a few where managed file transfer could be a better choice than SFTP:

Regulatory Compliance: For organizations in regulated industries, managed file transfer’s detailed logging and auditing capabilities help significantly in meeting regulatory compliance requirements. Managed file transfer systems provide detailed logging, which entails a comprehensive recording of data transfer activities. Each file movement is tracked and logged, documenting the who, when, where, and how of all transactions. Likewise, managed file transfer offers robust auditing capabilities, enabling the capture and recording of data required to track processes and behavior. This extensive documentation is useful for internal checks and for external regulatory bodies, ensuring that all necessary data compliance standards are met. Therefore, the complexities of maintaining compliance are simplified thanks to MFT’s intricate logging and auditing functionalities.
Business Process Automation: Managed file transfer is designed with the capability to manage complex file transfer requirements such as executing multi–step workflows. This includes the ability to perform a string of orchestrated tasks, like arranging for a file to be picked up, encrypted, moved to one or several locations, and then decrypted. Furthermore, it can acknowledge the successful completion of steps or instigate failure recovery procedures if necessary. This level of sophisticated functionality makes managed file transfer a perfect tool for business process automation, as it not only simplifies but also secures both internal and external data transfers. Thus, managed file transfer can contribute towards the overall efficiency and effectiveness of an organization’s daily operations and strategic initiatives.
Enterprise–level File Transfers: For large organizations that handle vast amounts of data, MFT’s capacity for large file handling and transfer efficiency is essential. Managed file transfer can handle large file sizes and its proficiency in transferring these hefty data packets efficiently across different platforms becomes an indispensable tool in maintaining smooth operations. Managed file transfer is adept at providing a reliable, secure, and fast method for managing data, which can be offered by MFT’s powerful functions.
Security–centric Organizations: MFT’s robust security features like end–to–end encryption and multi-protocol support make it a preferred choice for organizations where data security is paramount. End–to–end encryption ensures data remains inaccessible and incomprehensible to anyone unauthorized to view it, thereby protecting sensitive information during its transfer from one point to another. Moreover, managed file transfer supports multiple protocols, which equates to flexible and adaptable security measures. This comprehensive multi–protocol support is highly beneficial in handling various types of data transfers, catering to a wide range of business requirements. These robust security provisions contribute significantly to MFT’s popularity among businesses, especially those for whom data security is of the highest priority.

MFT vs. SFTP: Choosing the Right Solution

When it comes to choosing between SFTP and managed file transfer, the decision mainly depends on the specific needs and requirements of the organization. If your organization is large with complex transfer needs, managed file transfer might be the better fit. Its advanced features such as automation, centralization, and robust security measures can deliver enhanced efficiency and meet enterprise–level requirements.

However, if your organization only needs a secure and reliable method for transferring files, especially in bulk and within a secure network, then SFTP would suffice. It’s fundamentally simple, secure and gets the job done efficiently.

It’s important to assess the needs of your organization thoroughly before making a decision. Evaluate factors like the volume and size of transfers, the need for automation, the level of security required, and the need for audit trails. Consulting with an IT expert can also be helpful in determining which solution aligns best with your business requirements.

Kiteworks Helps Organizations Secure Their Data Transfers with SFTP and Secure Managed File Transfer

Both SFTP and MFT have a significant place in modern organizations. SFTP provides a reliable and secure method for transferring files, especially for businesses that need to regularly move large volumes of data within a secure network. On the other hand, managed file transfer, with its advanced features, provides a more comprehensive solution for managing the entire file transfer process. It is particularly beneficial for larger organizations with complex transfer needs.

While each has its strengths, the choice between SFTP and managed file transfer largely depends on the specific needs and requirements of your organization. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully evaluate your business needs and consult with IT experts to make an informed decision. Ultimately, both SFTP and managed file transfer are tools that can help your organization achieve its goals by ensuring secure and efficient data transfer.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network, a FIPS 140-2 Level validated secure file sharing and file transfer platform, consolidates email, file sharing, web forms, SFTP and managed file transfer, so organizations control, protect, and track every file as it enters and exits the organization.

Kiteworks secure managed file transfer provides robust automation, reliable, scalable operations management, and simple, code-free forms and visual editing. It is designed with a focus on security, visibility, and compliance. In fact, Kiteworks handles all the logging, governance, and security requirements with centralized policy administration while a hardened virtual appliance protects data and metadata from malicious insiders and advanced persistent threats. As a result, businesses can transfer files securely while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations

Kiteworks secure managed file transfer supports flexible flows to transfer files between various types of data sources and destinations over a variety of protocols. In addition, the solution provides an array of authoring and management functions, including an Operations Web Console, drag-and-drop flow authoring, declarative custom operators, and the ability to run on schedule, event, file detection, or manually.

Finally, Kiteworks Secure MFT Client provides access to commonly-used repositories such as Kiteworks folders, SFTP Servers, FTPS, CIFS File Shares, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, Box, Dropbox, and others.

In total, Kiteworks secure managed file transfer provides complete visibility, compliance, and control over IP, PII, PHI, and other sensitive content, utilizing state-of-the-art encryption, built-in audit trails, compliance reporting, and role-based policies.

To learn more about Kiteworks’ secure managed file transfer capabilities, schedule a custom demo today.

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