Complete Guide to Secure SFTP Transfers
What is SFTP and Why Use It?
SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure file transfer protocol that provides file access, transfer, and management over a reliable data stream. Unlike standard FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, preventing passwords and sensitive information from being transmitted in clear text.
Security Note: This tool does not store any of your credentials. All SFTP information is used only during the transfer process and is never saved to disk or logged.
How to Use This SFTP Transfer Tool
- Source Server Details: Enter the hostname/IP, port (usually 22), username, and password for your source SFTP server
- Source Path: Specify the directory path you want to transfer (use "/" for root directory)
- Destination Server Details: Provide credentials for your target SFTP server
- Destination Path: Set the base directory where files should be copied
- Email: Provide an email address to receive the transfer report
Key Features
- Directory Structure Preservation: Maintains the exact folder hierarchy from source to destination
- Smart File Handling: Automatically skips existing files to prevent duplicates
- Detailed Logging: Comprehensive transfer log emailed to you upon completion
- Security: All transfers happen over encrypted SSH connections
Security Best Practices
When using this or any SFTP tool, follow these security guidelines:
- Use Strong Credentials: Always use complex passwords or SSH keys for authentication
- Limit Permissions: Configure your SFTP users with minimal required permissions
- Monitor Transfers: Regularly check the logs for any unexpected file transfers
- Update Regularly: Keep your SFTP server software updated with security patches
- Use VPN When Possible: For additional security, connect via VPN before transferring files
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connection Problems: Verify your server is running and accessible. Check firewalls to ensure port 22 (or your custom port) is open.
Permission Errors: Ensure your SFTP user has proper read permissions on source and write permissions on destination.
Transfer Failures: Large files may timeout. Consider transferring them separately or increasing timeout settings on your servers.
Technical Implementation Details
This tool uses PHP's SSH2 extension to establish secure connections. The implementation includes:
- Secure credential handling with no storage or logging of sensitive data
- Recursive directory scanning to preserve folder structures
- Stream-based file transfers to minimize memory usage
- Comprehensive error handling and logging
Important: For maximum security when using this tool on shared hosting, we recommend:
- Password-protecting the directory containing this tool
- Using .htaccess to restrict access by IP if possible
- Regularly checking for and installing updates