Which protocol is known to be faster than the other for secure file transfer?

The correct answer is based on the inherent characteristics of the protocols mentioned. SCP, which stands for Secure Copy Protocol, is widely recognized for its simplicity and speed in transferring files securely over SSH (Secure Shell). SCP is relatively lightweight as it only transfers the files and does not establish additional features or overhead that some other protocols might include, such as detailed file management features.

In contrast, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) operates over the same SSH connection but includes more functionalities, such as the ability to resume file transfers and manage remote file systems. This additional functionality can introduce some overhead, which may slow down transfers in certain scenarios.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is not designed for secure transfers as it operates without encryption, making it less ideal for secure communications compared to SCP and SFTP.

Rsync, while capable of efficiently synchronizing files and directories between systems, is not solely focused on secure file transfer as it often relies on SSH to secure connections, but it is primarily a synchronization tool.

Thus, SCP is often considered faster for straightforward file transfers where security is required, owing to its focused purpose and reduced overhead.