What type of protocol is Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)?

Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a tunneling protocol that uses Secure Shell (SSH) to transfer files securely over a network. It goes beyond traditional file transfer methods by providing an encryption layer that ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transferred. Utilizing SSH not only facilitates secure communication but also enables secure authentication for users accessing the file transfer sessions.

This contrasts with basic file transfer protocols that lack encryption, as SFTP provides better protection against eavesdropping and data tampering. While some of the other options describe aspects of file transfer and management, they do not encapsulate the fundamental nature of SFTP as a secure method of transferring files, which is inherently based on the tunneling capabilities of the SSH protocol.