What is SFTP, and how do I use an SFTP client to transfer files?

The SSH File Transfer Protocol (also known as Secure FTP and SFTP) is a computing network protocol for accessing and managing files on remote file systems. SFTP also allows file transfers between hosts, similar to the SCP protocol. Unlike standard File Transfer Protocol (FTP), SFTP encrypt commands and data both, preventing passwords and sensitive information from being transmitted in the clear over a network.

SFTP clients are programs that use SSH to access, manage, and transfer files. SFTP clients are functionally similar to FTP clients, but they use different protocols. Consequently, you cannot use standard FTP clients to connect to SFTP servers, nor can you use clients that support only SFTP to connect to FTP servers. Graphical clients are available for SFTP, or you can use it from the command line on a Unix or Mac OS X computer.


What basics do I need to know when conguring an FTP Client to use SFTP?

  1. Your domain name
  2. Username
  3. Password
  4. Port 2900 (This is VERY Important, we do NOT use Port 21)
  5. Be sure to set your client to use SFTP if there is a setting.

Why do you not use regular FTP?
Answer: It's not secure, and never has been.

Click here for a list of FREE SFTP ClientsVideo Tutorials

While these videos are geared towards FTP, please remember to use SFTP and Port 2900

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