In a recent development, Google has announced that it will be removing FTP feed files and requiring SFTP from now on. This change will be effective from September 15th, 2023, and will impact all ecommerce professionals who are currently using FTP files to upload product data to Google's Merchant Center.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) has been a popular way for businesses to send product data to Google's Merchant Center for years. However, the protocol has several security vulnerabilities that can put sensitive business data at risk. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), on the other hand, is a more secure way to transfer files over the internet, using encryption to keep data safe.
On paper, Google's decision to make SFTP mandatory for Merchant Center Data Feed files should be a welcome change. By using SFTP, ecommerce professionals can rest assured that their product data is being transmitted in a secure manner, without the risk of data breaches.
However, this change is not without its challenges. Many businesses have been using FTP for years and may not have the necessary infrastructure to support SFTP. Switching to SFTP will require businesses to invest in new software, hardware, or cloud-based services, and may require some adjustments to their current workflow.
Another challenge is the timeline. With the change set to take effect in September 2023, businesses have just over a year and a half to make the switch. For businesses with large product catalogs, this may be a daunting task that requires careful planning and coordination. However, the threat of having feed files be removed altogether makes this transition a necessary one.
However, ecommerce professionals should realize that Google's announcement is part of a wider trend in the industry towards greater data security and privacy. With the increasing prevalence of data breaches and cyberattacks, it is essential that businesses take all possible measures to protect their data.
Google's move towards SFTP is just one example of the many steps being taken to improve data security and protect user privacy, there are sure to be more to come. Make sure you check in with our blog posts to stay up to date with these changes and ensure that your business is prepared to meet the new requirements.
Google's decision to remove FTP feed files and require SFTP from now on is a positive step towards increased data security and reliability. While the transition may present some challenges for businesses, the benefits of increased security make it a necessary one. Ecommerce professionals should take note of this trend towards greater data security, privacy, and ensure that their businesses are prepared to meet the new requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns about how this change affects your Google Shopping feeds, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team at help@godatafeed.com.
