File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between computers or servers over the internet. FTP enables users to upload, download, and manage large files, making it a popular tool for website management, data migration, and enterprise file sharing.

While FTP has been widely used for decades, it has security limitations, as it transfers data in plaintext, making it vulnerable to cyber threats. Modern alternatives, such as SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) and cloud-based file-sharing services, offer encrypted transfers, access controls, and automated backups, providing safer and more efficient data exchange methods.

Cloud storage platforms have largely replaced traditional FTP by offering fast, secure, and user-friendly file-sharing capabilities, eliminating the need for complex server configurations while enhancing security and collaboration.