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Home / Glossary / SFTP
Glossary · Protocol

SFTP

Secured File Transfer Protocol

In plain language

A secure way of moving files between computers over the internet, with everything scrambled in transit.

The metaphor

Like a locked armoured courier carrying your files from one office to another.

Going deeper

How it works

  • It runs over an encrypted connection.
  • Sign in with a key or a strong password.
  • Used for transferring files with partners, banks and web hosts.
  • It replaces plain FTP.
In practice
  • A bank sends statements to a firm through it.
  • A print vendor receives artwork this way.
  • An accounting firm exchanges files with a payroll provider.

A question owners ask

Is it the same as FTPS?

They are similar in purpose but built differently. SFTP is easier to set up through a firewall.

Related terms
AHAuthentication HeaderARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBGPBorder Gateway ProtocolCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication ProtocolCRCCyclical Redundancy CheckEAPExtensible Authentication ProtocolESPEncapsulated Security Payload

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