Online file storage and transfer services have become an integral part of day-to-day work in businesses, irrespective of sector. However, determining which online storage service suits your needs best is not often easy.
There are numerous options in the market with varying levels of sophistication. One of these options is the file transfer protocol (FTP). But due to rising cyber security issues, FTP has its own downsides.
As such, you need to understand the method well and know how its pros and cons will affect your business before you make a decision.
Pros Of FTP Online Storage
FTP online storage offers users a wide range of benefits. Here are the key advantages of choosing this storage option:
- Easy Storage And Transfer Of Large Files
Most companies want to transfer large files with ease. Ordinarily, this would require them to invest in high volumes of data at any given time. FTP makes it easy for businesses to store and transfer large files without having to worry about data needs.
FTP also allows users to move multiple sets of files at a go. It allows for multitasking—which means users can upload tasks they have completed while downloading files that they plan to work on. This feature reduces interruptions and saves users time—enabling businesses to improve workflow.
- Files Can Be Accessed Anytime, Anywhere
FTP online storage makes files and accessible to businesses anytime and from anywhere, as long as users have an internet connection. It also allows users a major advantage when it comes to dealing with interruptions.
Unlike other options, FTP allows users who are uploading files to the database to resume the transfer process after an interruption occurs due to a lost connection or after a system reboot. This saves businesses time because it eliminates the need to restart the transfer process all over again. Rather, the process continues from where you left off.
Better still, FTP users can schedule file transfers to prevent interruptions with other work responsibilities. This unique feature comes in handy for people who don’t have the time to wait for their files to be transferred. If you prefer this option, consider getting an FTP solution that allows you to schedule transfers so you can move and store your files at a time that is most convenient for you, like during the night or weekends.
- Quick Recovery Of Lost Files
There are many situations that can lead to loss of files. Some of them are natural, like floods or fire, while others are unnatural like loss or damage of computers and external storage devices. If you’re concerned about losing your data, using FTP online storage is a great solution to consider. Leading FTP providers make it easier for users to recover lost files by backing up their online data automatically and regularly. This enables you to recover files in case you lose them.
Cons of FTP Online Storage
Online FTP storage has its fair share of disadvantages. These include:
- Limited Control
FTP storage sites store client data on their behalf. This means that after transferring their data to the FTP database, clients have little or no control over it. This is extremely risky. It means that clients cannot track the files they upload on the remote system. Also, if data breaches occur or files are mishandled, clients will experience challenges in determining the cause. Even worse, clients are likely to lose their files or data if an FTP storage provider runs out of business.
- Insecurity
Inherently, FTP is not a secure method for transferring or storing files. Since data is stored in a computer database, there’s always a risk that the system could be hacked. Anytime you send a file for storage using the protocol, the username, password, and data are all shared as plain text. This makes it vulnerable to hackers. To secure data, businesses that opt for FTP should consider solutions like GoAnywhere FTP server that apply cybersecurity practices like strong authentication to secure client data.
- Encryption Is Not Guaranteed
Though there are FTP service providers that provide data encryption, a majority of them don’t. This lack of encryption makes it easy for data to be intercepted. This makes FTP online storage a tricky option, particularly for businesses that need to store highly sensitive data such as electronic health information and card payment details.
Final Thoughts
FTP online storage allows users to store their data or files online and access them via the internet. It is a highly affordable way to store data because it cuts down the cost of buying storage devices. Most hosting sites allow users to upgrade storage capacity as they deem fit. Even so, FTP online storage has its shortcomings. The major ones are insecurity and loss of control. You can address these challenges by finding an FTP storage provider that has addressed these concerns adequately.