Which protocol is commonly used for secure file transfer?

SCP, or Secure Copy Protocol, is a network protocol that allows for secure file transfer over a secure connection. It is based on the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol, which provides a secure channel over an unsecured network. By utilizing SSH for authentication and encryption, SCP ensures that files are transferred securely and that sensitive data is protected from eavesdropping or interception during the transfer process.

SCP is particularly appealing for secure file transfer needs because it encrypts both the metadata (such as file names) and the content being transferred, making it significantly more secure compared to other protocols. This is essential for organizations that need to comply with data protection regulations or that simply want to safeguard their data during transit.

In contrast, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) does not provide any encryption, making it vulnerable to attacks during file transfers. Telnet is also not secure, as it transmits data in plaintext, allowing for easy interception. HTTP is focused on web page delivery and does not inherently offer security for file transfers, which is why protocols like HTTPS (HTTP Secure) are used to provide security in web traffic. None of these alternatives can match the security provided by SCP, making it the preferred choice for secure file transfer needs.