What is SFTP and how to use it

Introduction

SFTP, which stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol or SSH File Transfer Protocol, is a network protocol that provides secure file access, transfer and management on a network system. Unlike FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SFTP uses the SSH (Secure Shell) layer to provide encrypted communication, which ensures greater security in data transfer.

What is SFTP?

SFTP is a file transfer protocol that works over the SSH protocol, using port 22 by default. This protocol allows various operations to be performed on files, such as:

• File access
• File transfer
• File permissions management

Differences between FTP and SFTP

• FTP: The connection messages between client and server are not encrypted, which means that both credentials and transferred data are susceptible to interception by third parties.

• SFTP: Uses the SSH layer to encrypt both the connection between client and server and the transferred data, providing an additional layer of security.

Advantages of SFTP

1. Security: Encryption ensures that data and credentials cannot be easily intercepted by third parties.
2. Data integrity: SSH includes mechanisms to verify data integrity, ensuring that files are not altered during transfer.
3. Authentication: Uses strong authentication methods, such as SSH keys, which reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

SFTP Servers

At SWHosting we offer Cloud servers and Web Hosting services with SFTP support already operational. You can manage your SFTP connections securely and efficiently right out of the box.

cta:cloud_app_swpanel_smart_d5

Other SFTP Servers

There are several options for configuring an SFTP server in different environments:

• OpenSSH: One of the most common options, included by default on most Unix and Linux systems.
• ProFTPD: An FTP server that can be configured to use SFTP.
• Vsftpd: Another FTP server that can also be configured to support SFTP.

These servers can be configured manually on your own machines or you can opt for the simplicity and security of our Cloud servers at SWHosting, which come with SFTP already configured and ready to use.

Using an SFTP client

There are multiple SFTP clients available, both command-line and GUI-based:

• Command line:

  • On Unix systems, you can use the sftp command:

    sftp  user_ssh@server
    

  • From here, you can use commands such as put to upload files and get to download them.

• GUI clients:

  • FileZilla: A popular FTP client that also supports SFTP.
  • WinSCP: An SFTP client for Windows that provides an intuitive graphical interface.

Examples of SFTP commands.

• Connect to server:

  sftp user_ssh@server
  

• Upload a file:

  put local_file
  

• Download a file:

  get file_remote
  

• List files on the server:

  ls
  

• Change directory:

  cd directory
  

Conclusion

SFTP is a powerful and secure tool for transferring files over networks, offering numerous advantages over traditional FTP. By using the encryption provided by SSH, SFTP ensures that data and credentials remain protected throughout the transfer.

cta:cloud_so

At SWHosting we are committed to providing secure and efficient solutions for managing your data. With our Cloud servers and Web Hosting services, you can enjoy the peace of mind that SFTP offers right out of the box. If you need more details or assistance, don't hesitate to contact our support team.