How to Connect to an SFTP

While you can connect via the file transfer protocol (FTP) using native Windows tools, it is not a secure way to transfer data. The SSH (Secure Shell) over FTP (nicknamed, SFTP) protocol is quickly becoming the accepted standard for data transfer. SFTP is far more secure than basic FTP connections, but it also means you need to download an additional program. You need an SFTP or SCP enabled PC client.

Instructions

FileZilla

1. Download and install FileZilla. (See References.)

2. Open FileZilla from the Start menu.

3. Type in your SFTP address in the "Host" field, preceded by "sftp://" (without quotes).

4. Enter your user name and password and click "QuickConnect."

BitKinex

1. Download and install BitKinex. (See References.)

2. Launch BitKinex from the Start menu.

3. Click "Quick Connect."

4. Type in "sftp://" (without quotes) and then enter your server address. Enter the log in details.

5. Click "Connect."

WinSCP

1. Download and install WinSCP. (See References.)

2. Launch the program from the desktop icon.

3. Click "Session." Enter your server host address and login details.

4. Click the "File protocol" drop-down and select "FTPS."

5. Click "Save" if you want to save these details. Click "Login" to log in.

References

• FileZilla Official Documentation: FileZilla Client Tutorial (en)
• BitKinex: Quick Connect Dialog
• WinSCP: WinSCP: Connect to FTP/SFTP server

Resources

• FileZilla: FileZilla - The free FTP solution
• BitKinex: All-in-one FTP/SFTP/HTTP/WebDAV Client
• WinSCP: Download WinSCP