How to connect via SFTP

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) provides a secure, encrypted way to manage your website files. Unlike standard FTP, which sends data in plain text, SFTP runs over an SSH tunnel, ensuring that your login credentials and file content remain protected from interception.

To use SFTP on mybox, you must first enable SSH access in your dashboard. Because SFTP uses your primary system account, it provides a higher level of security than traditional FTP accounts.

Connection Requirements

Before connecting, ensure you have activated SSH for your account. Once active, use the following standardized mybox connection details:

• Protocol: SFTP (not FTP)
• Hostname: your-login.ssh.mybox.com
• Port: 22
• Username: your-login
• Password: Your SSH password

Configuration Examples

WinSCP

In the WinSCP login window, change the File protocol dropdown to SFTP. Enter your hostname, port 22, and your credentials.

FileZilla

You can use the Quickconnect bar at the top of FileZilla. It is important to explicitly include the protocol in the host field or select SFTP in the Site Manager to ensure a secure connection.

• Host: sftp://your-login.ssh.mybox.com
• Username: your-login
• Password: your-password
• Port: 22

First-Time Connection

When you connect to the mybox server via SFTP for the first time, your client will display a security warning regarding the Host Key. This is normal behavior; the application is asking you to verify and save the server’s unique identification key. Click Yes or Accept to trust the connection and save the key for future sessions.

Distinction Block

SFTP vs. FTP Accounts Traditional FTP allows you to create multiple users with access to specific folders. SFTP is tied directly to your main mybox system account. Only the primary account owner (or those with the main SSH credentials) can connect via SFTP.

Practical Implications

• Enhanced Security: SFTP encrypts the entire session, making it the recommended choice when working on public or untrusted networks.
• Full Access: Connecting via SFTP typically gives you access to the entire directory structure of your account, including files outside of the public_html folder (such as logs and configuration files).
• No Multiple Users: Because SFTP is an extension of SSH, you cannot create “restricted” SFTP users. If you need to give a developer limited access to only one folder, you should use a standard FTP account instead.

Summary

Connecting via SFTP is the most secure way to manage your mybox infrastructure. By using port 22 and your dedicated hostname, you ensure that your data remains encrypted from your computer to our servers.