CuteFTP Professional allows for secured FTP connections over a Secure Shell 2 (SSH2) link. SSH is a protocol for secure remote login and other network services over an unsecured network. To perform SFTP/SSH2 connections, the remote system must be equipped with both SSH2 and an SFTP server, which is a component of SSH2.
The steps involved in opening an SSH2 connection are much more complicated than those involved in opening standard unsecured Internet connections. When the connection has been established, both sides determine the method of encryption through the use of a Diffie-Hellman key exchange sequence. Once both sides have determined the optimal encryption type to use, a session is granted and secured.
You can choose which encryption methods to use. The available encryption types are: Triple DES (3DES), ARCFOUR, CAST128, Twofish and Blowfish. At least one encryption type should be selected. After the encryption method is established, the two systems are ready to exchange secure data. CuteFTP will now send a secured FTP connection along the encrypted data tunnel, the remote system will respond and you can begin transferring files securely.
For more information on SSH2 go to the CuteFTP help Contents and choose Learning about SSH2 in the Security section.