How to transfer files securely

Summary

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) was the standard method of sending and retrieving files over the Internet without the need to use an email attachment or a browser to open the file. It has been replaced by the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and the Secure Copy protocol (SCP) which encrypt your login and data, because old FTP operated insecurely (without encryption).

SFTP and SCP are particularly useful for transmitting or receiving large numbers of files (such as whole directory or a Web site) without having to click on each one individually.

This document explains how to use programs which run SFTP and/or SCP. It describes programs for the three most popular platforms: Microsoft Windows, Unix, and Apple Mac OS X. This document assumes you are completely familiar with using your computer and operating system, and that you know and understand files, folders (directories), Web sites, URIs, and usernames/passwords. If you are uncertain about any of these, please refer to the Training Centre pages for details of courses.

22 March 2009 (rev 4)

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