Which of the following is encrypted when using SFTP?

SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is designed to provide a secure method for transferring files over a network. It operates over an encrypted SSH (Secure Shell) connection, which ensures that various elements involved in the file transfer process are protected.

When using SFTP, both the authentication information and the data files being transferred are encrypted. This includes the usernames and passwords used to authenticate users, as well as the contents of the files themselves. The encryption ensures that sensitive data remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering during transfer.

The reason that only encrypting file names, authentication information, or just the data files would be insufficient is because this could leave sensitive data exposed either during authentication or while files are being transferred. SFTP’s comprehensive encryption approach addresses these vulnerabilities by protecting all aspects of the transfer process, making it the secure choice for data transmission. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the robust encryption method that SFTP employs to maintain data integrity and confidentiality.