SSH file transfer protocol facts for kids

The SSH File Transfer Protocol (often called SFTP) is a special set of rules that computers use to send files to each other safely. It's like a secure way to share documents, pictures, or videos between two computers over the internet.

SFTP is a much safer choice than an older system called FTP. With FTP, information like files and even passwords are sent without any protection. Imagine sending a secret message on a postcard – anyone can read it! SFTP, on the other hand, encrypts (scrambles) the data, making it very hard for anyone else to see.

What is SFTP?

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol. It's a way for computers to move files securely. It makes sure that when you send a file from your computer to another, or download a file, it stays private and protected.

This protocol is built on top of something called SSH. Think of SSH as a super-secure tunnel. SFTP uses this tunnel to send files. This means all the data, including your files and any passwords, travels through a protected pathway. It usually works through a specific "doorway" on the internet called port 22.

How SFTP Works

When you use SFTP, your computer connects to another computer (called a server) using the secure SSH tunnel. Once the connection is made, SFTP allows you to:

• Upload files from your computer to the server.
• Download files from the server to your computer.
• Rename files on the server.
• Delete files on the server.
• Create or delete folders on the server.

Many popular programs that help you manage files on the internet now support SFTP. This makes it easy for people to use this secure method.

How to Access SFTP

To connect to an SFTP server, you usually need to prove who you are. This can be done in a few ways:

• Username and Password: This is the most common way, like logging into a website.
• Public Key: This is a more advanced and very secure method. It uses a special digital "key" to confirm your identity without needing a password each time.

SFTP vs. Other Protocols

It's easy to get SFTP confused with other similar-sounding ways to transfer files. Here's how it's different:

• SFTP vs. FTP: FTP is an older protocol that sends data without encryption. SFTP is much more secure because it uses SSH to encrypt everything.
• SFTP vs. SCP: SCP is another tool that also uses SSH for secure file transfer. However, SCP is mainly for copying files quickly and doesn't have as many features as SFTP, like listing folders or deleting files.
• SFTP vs. FTPS: FTPS is different from SFTP. FTPS uses a security method called TLS (or SSL) to encrypt the connection. While it makes the connection secure, it doesn't use the SSH tunnel like SFTP does.

See also

In Spanish: SSH File Transfer Protocol para niños