What is the Difference Between SSH and Telnet?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Telnet and SSH are both network protocols used to access and manage remote systems. However, they have some key differences:
- Data Encryption: Telnet transfers data in plain text, while SSH sends data in an encrypted format via a secure channel.
- Security: Telnet is less secure and more susceptible to security attacks, while SSH helps overcome many security issues due to its encryption and authentication methods.
- Ports: Telnet uses port 23, which was designed specifically for local area networks, whereas SSH runs on port 22 by default.
- Authentication: No authentication or privileges are provided for user's authentication in Telnet, while SSH uses public key encryption for authentication, making it more secure.
- Suitability: Due to its less secure provisions, Telnet is recommended only for private networks, while SSH is suitable for public networks.
- Terminal Emulation: SSH relies on external terminal emulation software, while Telnet includes built-in terminal emulation.
In summary, SSH is a more secure and encrypted alternative to Telnet, making it the preferred choice for accessing and managing remote systems, especially over public networks.
Comparative Table: SSH vs Telnet
Here is a table comparing the differences between SSH and Telnet:
| Feature | Telnet | SSH |
|---|---|---|
| Data Format | Plain text (unstenciled) | Encrypted format |
| Encryption | Unencrypted | Encrypted via secure channel |
| Authentication | None; uses plaintext username and password | Public key encryption for authentication |
| Security | Vulnerable to security attacks | More secure, helps overcome security issues |
| Port | 23 (default) | 22 (default) |
| Suitability | Private networks | Public networks |
Telnet is a standard TCP/IP protocol for virtual terminal services, allowing remote connections to systems in a way that appears like a local terminal. However, it transfers data in plain text and is unencrypted, making it vulnerable to security attacks and suitable only for private networks.
On the other hand, SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol that offers secure access to computers over unsecured networks. It encrypts traffic in both directions and uses a secure channel for data transmission. SSH is more secure and suitable for public networks, providing public key encryption for authentication.