Some secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) vendors claim to deliver strong security, but their actual implementation rarely reflects a full commitment to data protection. Features like AES-256 encryption, transport layer security (TLS) or multifactor authentication are standard across the industry. But without verified controls, regular audits and measurable security practices, these technical terms are decorative only. Before trusting a vendor with sensitive data, it’s essential to look at what they’ve done, not just what they promise.
Security promises vs. proven protections
Most vendors describe their SFTP server or FTP server solutions using language that references authentication methods, secure shell (SSH) keys, encryption algorithms and general SFTP standards. While strong encryption and secure protocols, such as SFTP and FTPS, are critical components, these alone don’t fulfill enterprise compliance requirements.
Real data security depends on a defined division of responsibility. The shared responsibility model in cybersecurity helps clarify which security functions belong to the vendor (such as secure channel protocols, firewall configuration and patching), versus which fall to the customer, including password authentication, user permissions and role-based file access. If either party fails to act or act comprehensively, the result can be unauthorized access, misconfiguration or data integrity issues.
The SFTP security investment gap among vendors
Some vendors support popular secure protocols like SFTP, HTTPS and SSH keys but leave internal security measures unchecked. Security certifications, including ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II, exist to ensure that vendors maintain effective access control, enforce strong passwords, manage IP addresses securely and protect against brute force attacks. These frameworks also verify policies that encrypt data, maintain audit trails and handle key exchange securely.
Cerberus by Redwood is certified in both ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II. Its platform supports SHA-2 hashing, AES encryption and complete file management visibility across Windows operating systems. The product undergoes quarterly penetration testing and annual third-party auditing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities for a proactive approach to security, while also offering centralized key management, role-based user access and detailed audit logging for environment hardening. These features work together to support your needs around HIPAA, GDPR and PCI DSS compliance.
Some vendors avoid these steps. With smaller SFTP vendors, they often lack the manpower, available funding and resources to document and implement security features for best practice standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II, so they decline to certify their platform. This saves time and internal costs, but it pushes the security burden back onto the customer, usually without warning. By not evaluating and understanding where a vendor has invested (or refused to invest) in security, your sensitive information can be open to exploitation.
The real-world impact of skipped certifications
Without certification, there is no verified enforcement of data protection standards. Vendors that lack ISO or SOC 2 credentials operate without third-party accountability. They may advertise strong authentication, but they offer little support for auditing, TCP hardening or remediation. Instead, your organization is left with only promises and a remit to fill these gaps.
Organizations that rely on cheap-to-free SFTP platforms may end up creating workarounds for these gaps by using other tools to try and harden their file transfer operations — or worse, avoid this entirely. Others may unknowingly use plain text settings or rely on default file system configurations that expose sensitive files. Misconfigured APIs or unmonitored FTP connections can allow subtle breaches to go undetected until a compliance audit or incident response reveals them.
Because of the lack of investment, these vendors rarely offer controls for managing compatibility across environments or regulating access to large files. Without validated safeguards, you take on risk that is difficult to track or report.
When the lines of responsibility are unclear or pushed onto customers to solve, the shared responsibility model fails. And when that happens, the vendor isn’t the one who carries the consequences; you do.
Cutting costs, cutting corners: A false economy
Cheap-to-free tools that claim to support the SFTP protocol might offer basic functionality, but they often lack the security best practices and resiliency required for reliable operations. Vendors that avoid compliance frameworks and fail to implement routine auditing introduce a different type of cost, which is one that emerges later in the form of lost trust and regulatory penalties.
Here’s where those hidden costs tend to show up:
- Disruption occurs during data transfer due to missing support for enterprise file access
- Incomplete log retention or access control tracking leads to failed audits
- Missed configuration alerts allow vulnerabilities to persist
- Outdated encryption standards open the door to unauthorized access
Cerberus avoids these risks by enforcing consistent, validated controls. It includes authentication safeguards such as public key verification, multifactor authentication and certificate-based login. The system also offers built-in support for secure data transfer across protocols, the ability to manage SFTP encryption policies and real-time monitoring of key exchange events.
Cerberus: A certified SFTP partner for the future
Cerberus is designed for organizations that demand a robust security posture and more-than-basic SFTP client capabilities. It helps maintain full regulatory compliance through detailed security features, secure APIs and certified internal practices. You can manage user access, monitor file system activity and support org-wide file transfer operations with minimal overhead.
Cerberus doesn’t defer its responsibilities. It accepts its role in the shared security model and provides a reliable, certified platform that supports secure growth. Discover what a true SFTP partner in compliance and security looks like.