Comparing the Working of SSH and Telnet in Cyber Security <a href="https://www.electro4u.net/">Electro4U</a>

Exploring the Differences Between SSH and Telnet

Although both SSH (Secure Shell) and Telnet are protocols used to gain access to a remote computer, they have some major differences. Before delving into the details, it is important to note that Telnet is an unsecured protocol while SSH is more secure because it offers data encryption and authentication of the user. Let's explore the differences between these two protocols further.

Data Encryption

Since Telnet does not encrypt data, it is vulnerable to eavesdropping (third-party interception of data). This means that an outside entity can intercept your data and use it for malicious purposes. SSH, on the other hand, encrypts data, making it difficult for third parties to gain access to it. By utilizing SSH, you can protect your data from snoopers and hackers.

Authentication Process

When using SSH, you are required to authenticate yourself before being allowed access to the remote computer. Authentication is usually done by username and password, however SSH also supports public key authentication. On the other hand, Telnet does not require authentication, meaning anyone with access to the network can gain access to the remote computer.

Port Forwarding

Telnet does not provide support for port forwarding, while SSH can be used to forward ports. This feature can be used in a number of situations, such as tunneling a web or FTP session over an SSH connection. SSH is also used to securely transfer files between computers.

Conclusion

Both Telnet and SSH are protocols used to connect to a remote computer, but the differences between them are stark. Telnet does not encrypt data, meaning your data is vulnerable to snoopers and hackers, while SSH encrypts data thereby providing data security. Moreover, Telnet does not require authentication, whereas SSH requires username/password or public key authentication. Finally, Telnet does not provide support for port forwarding, but SSH is capable of port forwarding.