---
title: "📋 Security levels compared: When to use level 1 or level 2?"
url: "https://support.ftapi.com/en/article/sicherheitsstufen-1-und-2-sicherer-link-vs-login-was-ist-der-unterschied"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-06-22T07:11:24.908Z"
---

# 📋 Security levels compared: When to use level 1 or level 2?

This article compares security levels 1 ("Secure Link") and 2 ("Secure Link + Login") and helps you decide which level is appropriate for which data.

## Overview of security levels

Every company exchanges data and information of varying sensitivity on a daily basis. Depending on how sensitive this data is, you can choose between different security levels at FTAPI. This article explains the difference between the first two levels.

## Security level 1: Secure Link

When sending with security level 1, your delivery is stored under a secure link. This level is ideal for data that is non-critical or intended for the general public.

-   **Access:** Anyone who knows this link can open the delivery and download the files.
-   **Login:** An FTAPI account is **not** required for the recipient.
-   **Use cases:** Non-critical data such as tender documents, product catalogs, or particularly large files such as software updates.

## Security level 2: Secure Link + Login

If data should only be downloadable by specific recipients, sending with security level 2 is recommended. This level ensures that only authenticated persons can access the content.

-   **Access:** To retrieve the delivery, the recipient needs an FTAPI account.
-   **Login:** If the recipient does not yet have an FTAPI account, a free guest account is automatically created. This establishes a secure communication channel.
-   **Use cases:** Personal or sensitive data that is to be exchanged specifically with external partners.

## Key differences at a glance

The following table summarizes the most important differences to make your decision easier.

| Feature | Security level 1 | Security level 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Access control** | Anyone with the link | Only the defined recipient |
| **Login required** | No | Yes (FTAPI account necessary) |
| **Recommended data** | Non-sensitive, public data | Personal, sensitive data |

> #### [**Similar article: The FTAPI security levels explained**](https://support.ftapi.com/de/article/die-ftapi-sicherheitsstufen-erklart)