Secure File Transfer Made Easy: How to Transfer Files with SFTP on Ubuntu 22.04

Introduction:

Transferring files securely is a common task for many Ubuntu 22.04 users. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) provides a reliable and secure method for transferring files over a network, ensuring the protection of sensitive data. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of transferring files using SFTP on Ubuntu 22.04, allowing you to securely exchange files between systems.

Step 1: Open a Terminal:

To begin the file transfer process, open a terminal on your Ubuntu 22.04 system. You can do this by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T simultaneously or by searching for “Terminal” in the application launcher.

Step 2: Connect to the Remote Server:

To connect to the remote server using SFTP, execute the following command in the terminal:

sftp username@remote_host

Replace username with your username on the remote server and remote_host with the IP address or hostname of the remote server. Press Enter to continue.

Step 3: Provide Authentication Details:

Once you enter the command, you will be prompted to provide your password for authentication. Type your password and press Enter. Note that as you type your password, you won’t see any characters or asterisks on the screen. This is normal behavior in a Linux terminal.

Alternatively, you can use SSH key-based authentication for enhanced security. Ensure that you have set up SSH keys on both the local and remote systems before attempting key-based authentication.

Step 4: Navigate to the Local and Remote Directories:

After successful authentication, you will see the SFTP prompt. By default, the prompt displays the local directory (your Ubuntu 22.04 system). To navigate to a specific directory, use the cd command followed by the directory path. For example:

cd /path/to/local/directory

To navigate to the remote directory on the server, use the cd command followed by the directory path on the remote system. For example:

cd /path/to/remote/directory

Step 5: Transfer Files:

To transfer files between the local and remote systems, use the following commands:

• To upload a file from your local system to the remote server, use the put command followed by the filename. For example:

put filename

To download a file from the remote server to your local system, use the get command followed by the filename. For example:

get filename

You can also use wildcard characters (*) to transfer multiple files or directories at once. For example, put *.txt will upload all text files in the local directory to the remote server.

Step 6: Disconnect from the Remote Server:

Once you have finished transferring files, it is important to disconnect from the remote server to secure your connection. To disconnect, use the quit command or simply type exit in the terminal.

Conclusion:

Transferring files securely is essential for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of your data. By utilizing SFTP on Ubuntu 22.04, you can easily and securely transfer files between local and remote systems. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can establish an SFTP connection, navigate directories, and transfer files with ease. Enjoy the secure file transfer capabilities of SFTP on Ubuntu 22.04, ensuring the safe exchange of data across networks.