SFTP, or SSH File Transfer Protocol, is a secure network protocol used for transferring files between a client and server over a network. Unlike traditional FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data using the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, ensuring confidentiality and integrity during transmission. This makes it highly suitable for secure file transfers over untrusted networks, such as the internet. SFTP supports a range of file operations, including upload, download, deletion, and directory management, all within an encrypted session. It is widely used in organizations to safely transfer sensitive information and automate secure data exchanges.