Cerberus FTP Alternative
NEED AN ALTERNATIVE TO CERBERUS FTP SERVER? Get an easy-to-use, secure-by-design solution with Diplomat MFT.
Secure-by-Design (SFTP, PGP, DMZ, deployment)
Easy-to-use, no-code installation and operation
Simple integration and compatible with existing solutions
EASY INTEGRATION
Our customers rely on us to integrate and work with their existing healthcare, accounting, HR, financial, and other business software solutions for their secure file transfer needs. Book a personalized demo or get a quote from one of our MFT experts today!
Cerberus FTP Server vs Diplomat MFT
Why replace Cerberus FTP Server with Diplomat MFT?
Cerberus FTP Server is a Windows-based FTP and SFTP server developed by Cerberus, LLC. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTPS and is positioned as a straightforward file server for organizations that need to host and receive files securely. While Cerberus handles basic server-side file hosting well, many organizations find it falls short as their file transfer needs grow beyond simple inbound/outbound hosting into automated, scheduled workflow management.
The core limitation of Cerberus FTP Server is that it is primarily a file server, not a managed file transfer automation platform. It lacks enterprise-grade job scheduling, OpenPGP automation, high watermark file detection, and the audit trail depth that regulated industries require. organizations in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that start with Cerberus often find themselves building workarounds using scripts and manual processes to compensate for gaps adding risk and operational overhead rather than reducing it.
Diplomat MFT offers a complete alternative: enterprise-class scheduling, OpenPGP encryption and auto-rotating subkeys, high watermark detection, full audit trails, and transparent pricing starting at $1,149/year with 20 years of operation and zero CVEs. Rather than outgrowing your file transfer platform, organizations choose Diplomat MFT to handle everything from simple SFTP jobs to complex multi-step enterprise workflows from day one.
Compare Diplomat MFT with Cerberus FTP Server
Diplomat MFT offers these advantages over Cerberus FTP Server *
| FILE TRANSFER SERVER | DIPLOMAT MFT ENTERPRISE | CERBERUS FTP SERVER |
|---|---|---|
| Users, Groups, Virtual File System | ✅ | ✅ |
| User IP Whitelisting | ✅ | ✅ |
| File Retention Policies | ✅ | ✅ |
| Folder Automation Events | ✅ | ✅ |
| Logging, Auditing & Reporting | ✅ | ✅ |
| 24/7 Severity 1 Support Availability | ✅ | ✅ |
| Edge Gateway | ✅ | ❌ |
| OpenPGP File Encryption and Decryption | ✅ | ❌ |
| Powerful Automation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cloud Storage Integration | ✅ | ❌ |
| Job Monitor Visibility | ✅ | ❌ |
| Sync and Replication | ✅ | ❌ |
| Remote Agent | ✅ | ❌ |
*Research based on information available on the Cerberus FTP website and publicly available sources.
Cerberus FTP Server Enterprise Alternative: Choose Diplomat MFT
Cerberus FTP Server is used by organizations to host and receive files as a part of their secure file transfer process. Cerberus FTP Server also offers file transfer automation; however, it is important to examine if the level of automation available is right for your organizations needs. As your organization’s reliance on automation and file security grows, you may find that a dedicated managed file transfer solution, such as Diplomat MFT, which specializes in enterprise file transfers, automation and file encryption, might be better suited to your organization’s requirements.
You may have found that your Cerberus FTP Server does not include the robust automations and features you need to handle all your file transfers reliably and efficiently. For example, there is no native PGP encryption management automation–important if you want to send sensitive information like financial records, employee files, patient information, and confidential business information. Or perhaps you want to prevent sensitive information from landing in your DMZ to avoid risk of data exposure via direct or lateral attacks. If so, it may be time to re-evaluate your organization’s needs and upgrade to a full-featured, secure-by-design managed file transfer solution like Diplomat MFT.
With Diplomat MFT you get automated PGP encryption management, unlimited concurrent job management, compatibility with the applications and cloud services you already use, and state-of-the-art security features like multi-factor authentication, role-based privileges, time-based one-time passwords, and a 20-year record of zero vulnerabilities. And you get all that with the industry’s best customer support and at an ethical price that isn’t artificially inflated to pay for a private equity executive’s annual bonus. And because we’ve designed Diplomat MFT with security and reliability in mind, you’ll find that it is consistent with the needs for meeting regulations such as HIPAA/HITECH, GLBA, and GDPR—things you just can’t get from Cerberus FTP Server.
Diplomat MFT Security & Migration ROI Calculator
Calculate your cybersecurity risk exposure using IBM breach cost research and configurable probability assumptions. Compare migration costs vs. breach impact with full transparency.Your ROI Analysis
Based on your inputs and industry dataANNUAL RISK EXPOSURE
YEAR 1 MIGRATION COST
3-YEAR NET BENEFIT
📐 How We Calculate This
Breach Cost: From IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024 ($4.88M average; $9.77M healthcare). Breach Probability: Heuristic estimates based on common exposure patterns—these are not published research figures. Use "Advanced Options" to input your own rates if known. Net Benefit: 3-year risk reduction + labor savings − total 3-year cost (Year 1 + 2 renewal years).Current State vs. Post-Migration
| Metric | Current State | Post-Migration |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Breach Risk | - | - |
| Weekly Admin Hours | - | - |
| Compliance Automation | - | Automated |
| Vendor Support | - | Highly rated on G2 (as of Jan 2026) |
See What Diplomat MFT Can Do For Your Organization
You've seen the potential risk reduction and cost savings—now take the next step.
Diplomat MFT gives you enterprise-grade security, complete visibility, and powerful automation—without the complexity and vulnerabilities of legacy systems.
Ready to protect your data and reclaim your IT team's time?
MFT Migration Service:
Here’s an Overview of How It Works
Our MFT Migration Service provides a structured approach to help you seamlessly transition from your existing file transfer solution to Diplomat MFT. Many of the world’s largest organizations in industries like healthcare, financial services, retail, and more trust Coviant Software with their most sensitive file transfers. You can, too.
Step 1: Initial Discussion
In a 1–2-hour virtual session, our MFT experts meet with your team to understand your current file transfer setup. We identify which file transfer workflows should be migrated, and how you can do it easily and effectively.
Step 2: Deliver Tailored Migration Plan
We review what we’ve learned and prepare a clear, actionable Statement of Work (SOW)—outlining timeframes, required resources, and what you can expect.
Step 3: Review & Decide
You evaluate the SOW at your own pace. Need more clarity? We’re happy to consult further—at no cost.
Step 4: Fast, Professional Delivery
Once approved, we can quickly start assisting with your migration. We keep in close contact throughout the process, with regular updates and zero guesswork.
Step 5: Final Review & Sign-Off
We walk through the results with you to ensure everything meets expectations. Only when you’re satisfied do we consider the job done.
If you have questions, please reach out to schedule a discussion and quick demonstration of Diplomat MFT. Or you can take Diplomat MFT for a free 15-day test drive with no obligations.
Understanding the role and limitations of Cerberus FTP Server
Cerberus FTP Server is a secure file transfer server designed to protect data in transit using protocols such as FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTPS. It provides encryption, authentication, access controls, and activity logging, making it a reliable solution for straightforward secure file transfer requirements.
The platform focuses on securing connections between systems. This makes it effective for organizations that need to transfer files securely without complex workflow or automation requirements.
However, Cerberus is not a full managed file transfer (MFT) platform. It does not provide centralized orchestration, advanced workflow automation, or built-in architectural controls such as DMZ-based isolation. As file transfer becomes more complex, organizations often need capabilities that extend beyond what a server-based solution can provide.
This distinction becomes critical in environments where compliance, scalability, and operational visibility are required.
Employs SFTP and OpenPGP encryption for highest security
Calendar exclusions prevent transfers on bank holidays
Reducing risk of human error by automating transfers
Robust scheduler for easy configuration of transfer times
Full audit trails, file archiving, and notifications
Integrates with various protocols (SFTP, FTPS, AS2, HTTPS)
What does “Enterprise” file transfer really mean?
The term “enterprise” implies a product has the features, capacity, and job management capabilities to handle the demands of the largest organizations. With managed file transfer software, that means automating the largest file transfers to an extensive digital supply chain, doing it securely and reliably, and keeping pace no matter how your needs expand. It also means including enterprise-class features such as full auditing, alerting, data archiving and retention, directory management integration, PGP encryption management, and 24×7 support. We’ve helped a lot of organizations that found Cerberus FTP Server fell short of those expectations. And so, if you’re looking for an alternative to Cerberus FTP and need an MFT solution that has been proven in the most demanding enterprise environments—and is ready for more—take a look at Diplomat MFT. You’ll be glad you did.
What's new in Diplomat MFT?
Key Diplomat MFT enhancements include:
Secure, Browser-Based File Transfers: Allows your partners to simply use a standard web browser. Just send a URL and login credentials. No third-party tools, no software, no training needed.
Automated PGP Browser-Based File Transfers: Mandate PGP policy across your entire information supply chain, removing complexity and enhancing security.
Threat Intelligence: Real-time blocking of malicious IP addresses with automated threat detection to prevent intrusions and advanced persistent threats.
IP Access Rules: Granular control to block high-risk IP addresses, ensuring only trusted users and networks have access.
PGP Enforcement Rules: Automatically removes files that aren't PGP encrypted, preventing exposure of sensitive information and ensuring data protection compliance.
SFTP Connections Report: Complete visibility into file access for compliance audits and security monitoring with full transparency.
Syslog Logging: Centralized monitoring of all system logins to identify suspicious activity across the entire network.
Zoho WorkDrive Transport Type: Easy integration and automated file transfers to Zoho WorkDrive, reducing manual work and errors.
Expanded RegEx: More flexibility in organizing file names and file types, reducing manual sorting and errors.
Connection Map Report: Visual documentation of data flow for compliance (HIPAA, etc.) showing connections between systems made by Diplomat MFT.
Granular Permissions and Custom Roles: Fine-tuned access control for improved security and regulatory compliance with role-based security.
Support for SSO (Single Sign-On) for Administrators: Simplifies administrator login, centralizes user management, and reduces administrative overhead.
If you have questions, please reach out to schedule a discussion and quick demonstration of Diplomat MFT. Or you can take Diplomat MFT for a free 15-day test drive with no obligations.
Years of experience
Individual transfers per day
Terabytes transferred per day
Concurrent jobs
Choose from 3 Editions
We have three editions of Diplomat MFT to suit varying business requirements and budgets.
Try Diplomat MFT for yourself
Every evaluation is different. That's why we build yours around your requirements — not a one-size-fits-all process.
Share your requirements with us
Every organization has unique file transfer challenges. In a short call, our team will learn about your specific protocols, endpoints, compliance needs and integrations — so we can shape your entire evaluation around what matters most to you.Watch a tailored demonstration
No generic walkthroughs. We'll demonstrate Diplomat MFT configured to your environment and workflows, so you can see exactly how it addresses your requirements before you invest any time in setup.Start your trial and evaluate with expert guidance
We cut the learning curve. Our team helps you install and configure a full-featured trial tailored to your requirements — so you spend your time validating, not troubleshooting. Your trial is time-limited, not function-limited.Decide with confidence
Once your evaluation is complete, we'll review the results together against your original requirements. You'll have everything you need to make an informed decision — with no obligation to purchase.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Cerberus FTP secure enough for business-critical file transfers?
Cerberus FTP can be secure for basic use cases, but it is not designed as a full managed file transfer (MFT) platform for complex, high-risk, or regulated environments.
Cerberus focuses on protocol-level security — supporting FTPS, SFTP, and HTTPS — which protects data in transit. However, enterprise MFT security also requires:
- Network isolation (e.g. DMZ architecture)
- centralized auditing and compliance reporting
- Automated encryption and key management
- Workflow-level controls and error handling
For organisations handling sensitive or regulated data, the limitation is not encryption — it’s lack of architectural controls and operational visibility.
What are the limitations of Cerberus FTP compared to MFT platforms?
The main limitation of Cerberus FTP is that it is a secure file transfer server, not a full MFT platform.
Key gaps include:
- No native workflow automation (relies on scripts or manual processes)
- Limited encryption orchestration (no built-in automated PGP workflows)
- Basic auditing and reporting compared to compliance-ready MFT systems
- No built-in DMZ gateway architecture for isolating internal systems
- Scaling complexity as transfer volumes and workflows increase
This means Cerberus often works well initially, but becomes harder to manage as file transfer becomes operationally critical.
Is Diplomat MFT more secure than Cerberus FTP?
Diplomat MFT is generally more secure than Cerberus FTP because it is built as a secure-by-design MFT platform, not just a file transfer server.
The difference is architectural:
- Cerberus FTP secures connections (SFTP/FTPS/HTTPS)
- Diplomat MFT secures the entire transfer lifecycle
This includes:
- Automated PGP encryption before and after transfer
- DMZ-based Edge Gateway to prevent direct exposure of internal systems
- centralized audit logging for every transfer and user action
- Structured validation of sessions and file handling
In practice, this reduces both attack surface and operational risk, not just data-in-transit risk.
What are the risks of using file transfer software without automated PGP encryption?
Using file transfer software without automated PGP encryption introduces both security and operational risks — especially at scale.
Key risks include:
- Human error: manual encryption processes are easy to bypass or misconfigure
- Data exposure: files may be transferred unencrypted if processes fail
- Compliance failure: regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS expect strong encryption controls
- Integrity risk: without PGP signing, you cannot verify file authenticity
- Operational overhead: reliance on external tools or scripts increases complexity
At enterprise scale, encryption must be automatic, enforced, and auditable — not optional or manual.
When should you replace Cerberus FTP with a managed file transfer solution?
You should replace Cerberus FTP when file transfers become too complex, too critical, or too risky to manage through a server-based approach.
Common triggers include:
- Increasing compliance or audit requirements
- Growth in file transfer volume or workflow complexity
- Lack of visibility into failed or incomplete transfers
- Dependence on scripts or manual processes
- Security concerns around exposure or architecture
At this point, Cerberus becomes a tool within a process — not the system managing it.
A managed file transfer platform replaces this with:
- centralized automation
- End-to-end visibility
- Secure-by-design architecture
- Reduced operational and security risk
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
G2 is the largest and most trusted software marketplace. More than 90 million people annually—including employees at all Fortune 500 companies—use G2 to make smarter software decisions based on authentic peer reviews.
Scott J.
Diplomat MFT has been a powerful workhorse for all of our enterprise file exchange for many years. No other enterprise application we use comes with the same level of support we receive from Coviant.
Eric D.
Director of Information Technology
The support is fantastic. I had to contact them on a few occasions – as it turns out, not for issues with Diplomat MFT but issues with one of the FTP partners. Coviant support stuck with me and went above and beyond to troubleshoot and figure out the issue.
Dave L.
Manager of Information & Technology
Diplomat MFT is a solid data transfer product, its easy to set up, and easy to use. I like the way the transaction builder is laid out. It’s so easy to understand what values it wants.
Adah B.
Extremely robust platform for managing our enterprise file transactions. Every upgrade provides us with additional useful tools to streamline our business processes.
Stephen H.
IT BI Analyst SE
I find the sftp file transfers to be the most helpful tool of Diplomat MFT. No need for programming, the interface is customized already and users only need to fill in the boxes.
Jeff M.
The interface and GUI are very straightforward. The options are simple and labeled so anyone can understand how to set up and configure. The ability to test something without actually sending something is also beneficial.