SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure file transfer protocol used to transfer files between a local computer and a server. It operates over SSH and provides encrypted communication for all transferred data.
In hosting environments, SFTP is the recommended method for managing website files securely.
Table of Contents
How SFTP works
SFTP runs on top of SSH and uses a single encrypted connection between the client and the server. Unlike FTP, it does not separate control and data channels.
When a connection is established:
- the client authenticates using SSH credentials
- a secure encrypted session is created
- files can be uploaded, downloaded, and managed remotely
All communication is encrypted, including login credentials and file content.
Connection details in mybox
To connect via SFTP in mybox, use the following data:
- Host: your account SSH address (provided after SSH activation in mybox panel)
- Port: 22
- Username: your hosting account username
- Password: your SSH password
SFTP vs FTP
SFTP ≠ FTP
| Feature | SFTP | FTP |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Yes (SSH) | No |
| Protocol | SSH-based | Separate protocol |
| Security | High | Low |
| Default port | 22 | 21 |
SFTP is the secure alternative to FTP and is preferred for all modern hosting environments.
Common use cases
SFTP is used for:
- uploading website files to the server
- downloading backups or project files
- managing directories and file permissions
- deploying applications to production environments
Practical implications
SFTP does not require additional firewall ports beyond SSH (port 22), which simplifies configuration and improves security.
It is important to note that SFTP provides file access only. It does not allow running system commands on the server - for that, SSH access is required.
Security considerations
All data transferred via SFTP is encrypted. This includes:
- login credentials
- file contents
- directory listings
Because of this, SFTP is considered a safe method for managing hosting files, especially compared to legacy FTP connections.
Summary
SFTP is a secure file transfer protocol that runs over SSH and allows encrypted management of server files. It replaces FTP in modern hosting environments such as mybox due to its security and simplicity.