SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol. It is a network protocol used for secure file transfers over a secure shell (SSH) connection. SFTP provides a secure and encrypted method for transferring files between a client and a server, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data during transit.

Unlike traditional FTP, which uses separate control and data connections, SFTP utilizes a single connection for both commands and data. This simplifies firewall and NAT traversal as only a single port (typically port 22) needs to be opened for communication.

Key features of SFTP include:

Security: SFTP encrypts data during transit, protecting it from eavesdropping and unauthorized access. The encryption is typically based on SSH, which provides strong cryptographic algorithms for secure communication.

Authentication: SFTP uses SSH for authentication, allowing clients to establish a secure connection to the server using username and password credentials, SSH key pairs, or other authentication methods supported by SSH.

File operations: SFTP supports various file operations such as uploading (put), downloading (get), renaming, deleting, creating directories, and changing file permissions on the remote server.

Directory listing: SFTP allows clients to list the contents of directories on the remote server, enabling them to navigate and access files and directories.

SFTP is commonly used in scenarios where data security is crucial, such as transferring sensitive files, managing remote servers, and securely backing up or synchronizing data between systems. It provides a reliable and secure method for file transfers, making it a popular choice for organizations and individuals seeking secure file transfer capabilities.