What Is SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) Port Number?

Given the ever-increasing materials shared through the Internet, the necessary focus for every business or other entity is the secure transfer of files in the Internet space. Some of the presently common and highly reliable protocols for the transfer of files safely include the SFTP, which stands for the Secure File Transfer Protocol. In this article, you are going to learn what is SFTP, why it is being used, the fact that it uses port number 22, and some tips on how to use this protocol.

What is SFTP?

SFTP stands for Secure File Transfer Protocol; it is a network protocol that offers access to files and other features of transferring and managing files over a reliable data stream. It is under the Secure Shell protocol suite that has as its objective to offer secure command-line access to a remote machine. This is better than the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) which has data transferred in plain text as opposed to SFTP which encodes both their commands and data.

Importance of SFTP

• Security: SFTP employs the use of encryption in transferring data from one point to another. This helps in making certain that regardless of how the data may get intercepted, it cannot be comprehensible to the incorrect individuals. It also incorporates low-level encryption on the authentication part and minimizes the threats or attacks that may lead to stolen credentials.
• Integrity: Approximately, SFTP lacks file integrity verification, while data integrity is preserved. It uses checksums and cryptographic hash functions that ensure that the data on the receivers’ end is as dispatched without interferences.
• Authentication: SFTP also provides more than one method of authentication these include; password based and public key based. Such flexibility empowers organizations to select the most appropriate authentication technique that meets the organization’s security needs.
• Firewall-Friendly: Contrary to the FTP, which needs multiple ports to work on data and the control channel, SFTP works on one port and is more secure from the network security point of view.

SFTP Port Number

The standard port number that is used in SFTP is TCP port 22. This is the same port as SSH and this implies that all the security aspects that are incorporated in SSH are also incorporated in SFTP. There is no need for different port forwarding for SFTP and SSH which reduces the firewall configuration and applications comparative exposure to network break-ins.

How SFTP Works?

• Establishing a Connection: When an SFTP client starts to connect to an SFTP server, it starts an SSH connection over control port 22. This is the step in which the server and the client agree on a secret shared key that will ensure communication between them is secure and encrypted.
• Authentication: After the connection is encrypted, the server verifies the client using the agreed-upon method i.e., (password, public key). If the authentication is successful then the client can continue with the file transfer supported operations.
• File Transfer: Since the client is now connected and authenticated, the client can carry out file operations such as uploading, downloading, renaming, and deleting files. Most of the data that is passed through during these operations is encrypted to enhance confidentiality and integrity.

Best Practices for Using SFTP

• Use Strong Authentication: While passwords are a common method of authentication, they are vulnerable to brute-force attacks and phishing. Public key authentication is more secure and should be used whenever possible. This procedure of using a private key is less secure compared to the public key authentication which should always be preferred. Compromise entails the creation of a set of keys public and private keys and ensuring that the server accepts the client’s public key.
• Regularly Update Software: The first step towards enhancing the security of an SFTP server and its client software is to update both systems with the most current security updates and settings that are relevant to the servers or clients being used. This reduces the likelihood of the attackers searching for and taking advantage of certain vulnerabilities in the system.
• Implement IP Whitelisting: The SFTP server can be secured by not allowing all IP addresses to connect to your SFTP server. This increases the system security by minimizing the areas where the attacker can exploit the system’s vulnerabilities.
• Monitor and Log Activities: Enable logging on your SFTP server to track all file transfer activities. Regularly review these logs for any suspicious activities, such as unauthorized login attempts or unusual file transfer patterns.
• Encrypt Stored Data: While SFTP encrypts data in transit, it’s also crucial to encrypt sensitive data at rest. Use strong encryption algorithms to protect files stored on the server, ensuring that they remain secure even if the server is compromised.
• Limit User Permissions: Follow the principle of least privilege by granting users only the permissions they need to perform their tasks. This minimizes the potential impact of a compromised account.