# MFT Platform Server Modes of Operation

MFT Platform Server supports the following modes of operation for incoming and outgoing requests. This is for both file transfer requests and administrative requests, such as audit collection, server status as well as node and profile updates.

Mode of Operation | Description
--- | ---
Clear text mode | The password is encrypted using a proprietary encryption algorithm but the data is not encrypted.
AES 256 encryption | The password and data are encrypted using AES256. The asymmetric encryption key is generated through an algorithm on both the client and the server.
SSL (or TLS) mode | An asymmetric AES 256 encryption key is exchanged through a secure TLS connection after an SSL connection is established with the partner server. The AES 256 encryption key is used to encrypt and decrypt all data. A message digest and sequence number is added to each record to prevent man in the middle attacks.
Tunnel mode | All data is sent over a negotiated TLS connection. Each transfer creates a new TLS connection. Tunnel mode is the most secure option, and it is strongly suggested when communicating to partners over the Internet. Tunnel mode requires MFT Internet Server V8.2 and MFT Platform Server V8.0 or higher.

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