Understanding SFTP

The SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a network protocol that provides secure file access, file transfer, and file management functionalities over any reliable data stream. It was developed by the IETF as an extension of the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol version 2.0 to provide secure file transfer capability. Unlike the standard FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, ensuring that sensitive information like Passwords is never transmitted in plain text. According to the IETF Draft, the protocol is designed to be platform-independent.

Key features of SFTP include robust user authentication via SSH Keys or passwords, data encryption using algorithms such as AES, and data integrity via HMAC. Because it operates over a single connection, typically on Port 22, it is significantly easier to configure within Firewalls than FTP, which requires multiple ports for data and control. Widely used implementations include OpenSSH, FileZilla, and WinSCP. For more information on implementation standards, visit the OpenSSH Project.

• SSH
• SCP
• FTP
• FTPS