Using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is not recommended because it uses clear text for all transmissions. This means that anyone can potentially intercept and read FTP usernames, passwords, commands, and data through packet capture (sniffing) on the network. We therefore strongly advise against using FTP.

To ensure secure file transfers, RunCloud Firewall blocks FTP (port 21) on the server level by default, and recommends using SFTP instead.

SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is a secure file transfer protocol that utilizes the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol with encryption and secure authentication on both the server and the client.

SFTP provides two user-authentication options when connecting to your server: passwords or key-based authentication. SSH Keys are more secure than passwords, so we recommend using them whenever possible.

Using RunCloud File Manager

You don’t need to use any third-party software for simple file management. You can use the RunCloud File Manager in the RunCloud panel.

Simply open your Web Application dashboard and look for the “File Manager” tab in the side menu.

In the File Manager tab you can create new files and folders, change the permissions of existing files, and rename, delete, zip, and unzip files. With a little creative thinking, you can even download files. Here’s how:

Step #1 – Select all the files that you want to download and create a zip using the built-in utility.

Step #2 – Once you have created the file, you can type the URL of the file in your address bar to download it.

For example, if your archive was named file.zip and you stored it in the root directory of your website, then anyone who visits https://www.example.com/file.zip will be able to download your file. We therefore recommend you use the built-in password feature while creating the zip – and deleting the file when it is no longer needed.

Connecting To Your Server via SFTP

If you need to perform advanced file options that can not be performed via the File Manager, then you can use an FTP client such as FileZilla. This is a free, open-source FTP client that supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.

Here are the steps to connect via SFTP:

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