While efficient, the use of standard FTP poses security risks, as credentials and data are transmitted in plain text. The UKHO and associated government digital services have increasingly moved toward SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or FTPS (FTP Secure) to encrypt this sensitive navigational data, preventing tampering or spoofing.
In a significant improvement to digital integrity, the new system maintains an archive of superseded datasets. If a publication is updated due to a methodology change, the legacy file is moved to an _archive folder, ensuring that historical analyses remain reproducible. ftp ukhogovuk digital product updates enp publications
While the modern gov.uk domain primarily uses HTTPS for web-based access, legacy and high-volume data transfers—particularly for publications—still reference FTP (File Transfer Protocol) repositories. Here is what you need to know. While efficient, the use of standard FTP poses