​How to Use SFTP with FileZilla to Securely Transfer Files on RunCloud

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use SFTP with FileZilla to securely transfer and manage files on RunCloud server.

FTP is not secure

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) uses clear text for all transmissions. Anyone is able to read the FTP usernames, passwords, commands and data by packet capture (sniffing) on the network. By default, RunCloud Firewall blocks FTP (port 21) at your server. You are recommended to use SFTP for file transfer instead.

Tip: You can use RunCloud File Manager in RunCloud panel for simple file management.

What is SFTP?

SSH or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure file transfer protocol for file access, transfer, and management. It adapts the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol with encryption and secure authentication on both server and client.

SFTP provides two user-authentication options when connecting to your server: a)passwords or b)SSH2 key-based authentication. The SSH Keys is more secure than password.

What is FileZilla?

FileZilla is a free, open source FTP client that supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS. It is available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Download FileZilla Client.

SFTP via Passwords

1. Open FileZilla client
2. Open Site Manger by clicking the top left icon in menu bar, or press Ctrl+S
3. Click New Site button and gives a name to the new site connection
4. At the right side panel enter the following information:
   • Host: [RunCloud server IP address]
   • Port: 22
   • Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Logon Type: Normal
   • User: [System User’s username]
   • Password: [System User’s password]
5. Click Connect button to connect (OK button to save the connection)
6. Accept fingerprint warning when prompt
7. You are now connected to RunCloud server via SFTP using password

SFTP via SSH2 Key-based Authentication

If you have not yet create an SSH key pair, then follow one of the two tutorial below:

• Windows users: How To Use SSH Keys with PuTTY on RunCloud
• Mac and Linux users: Generating SSH Keys

Method #1

1. Open FileZilla client
2. Open Site Manger by clicking the top left icon in menu bar, or press Ctrl+S
3. Click New Site button and gives a name to the new site connection
4. At the right side panel enter the following information:
   • Host: [RunCloud server IP address]
   • Port: 22
   • Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
   • Logon Type: Key file
   • User: [System User’s username]
   • Key file: [select your SSH private key in .ppk or .pem format]
5. Click Connect button to connect (OK button to save the connection)
6. You are now connected to RunCloud server via SFTP using SSH key

Method #2

1. Open FileZilla client
2. In the Edit – Preferences menu, select SFTP under Connection
3. Click Add key file… button to add your SSH private key (If your key is in OpenSSH format, FileZilla will prompt you to convert it to PuTTY’s PPK format)
4. Click OK button to save setting and exit Preferences window
5. Follow Method #1 above but select Interactive for Logon Type

Wrapping Up

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