SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)

SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a file transfer and management protocol that runs inside an SSH connection.

Format
Web & Development
Updated
Updated
Glossary Web & Development
SSH File Transfer Protocol Also known as SFTP.Aliases: Secure File Transfer Protocol, SFTP server.

Definition

SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a file transfer and management protocol that runs inside an SSH connection.

How it works

SFTP rides on SSH, so authentication and encryption are handled before a single file moves. Beyond uploads and downloads it can list, rename, and delete — a full remote file manager. Hosting accounts often confine SFTP users to their own directory, which makes it a safe default for deploying site files.

Example: A developer uses an SFTP client to deploy site files without exposing credentials or content in plain text.

Often confused: Despite the similar name, SFTP is not FTP made secure — that is FTPS. SFTP is a separate protocol carried over SSH.

Sources

Last reviewed 2026-07-19.