Secure File Transfer Protocol

A SFTP client application allows you to securely log into file servers like the one provided with your student account from any machine that has an Internet connection. With SFTP, you can securely store your files and documents you might need to access when you are away from home.

Before You Start
  • You will need to know username, password, and server name that was issued to you. It is the same username and password you are using to check email with.
  • If you no longer have this information, you can lookup your account information and set a new password using the Account Tools at http://acs.ucsd.edu/account-tools/. You would not need to know the old password, but only your username and PAC code (the one you use for registering classes.) If you still have problems, you can also bring your campus ID to ACS/Instructional Computing at AP&M 1313 from Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

Which system are you using?
PC
Mac

Windows (PC)

Using Window's Built-In FTP Program
Our servers no longer support plaintext ftp - you will need SFTP (SSH) or FTPS (SSL).
Using SFTP Client such as: SSH Secure Shell Download (free)

SSH Secure Shell is a "Terminal" client that can securely connect to any server that has SSH enabled (almost all servers do). In addition, it is capable of transferring files.

  • Download, install, and open up SSH Secure Shell Client.
  • Click on Window -> New File Transfer
  • A new window will pop up.
  • Click on Quick Connect, fill in the appropriate information..
  • When finished, click on Connect.
  • A window will pop up and ask if the host identification is correct. If you are sure you are connecting to the correct server click on Yes.
  • A window will prompt for your password enter it.
  • The contents of what's already stored onto your account is shown on the right window.
To Upload Files
  • On the left window, find the file that you want to upload.
  • On the right window, find where you wish to store the uploaded file.
  • When you find file you wish to upload, drag the file from the left window to the right window.
  • All activities will be shown on the bottom of the screen in the "Transfer Window."
To Download Files
  • On the right window, find the file you want to download.
  • On the left window, navigate throughout your computer to find where you want to store the file you want to download.
  • When you find file you wish to download, drag the file from the right window to the left window.
  • All activities will be shown on the bottom of the screen in the "Transfer Window."
Using SFTP Software such as: CuteFTP Pro

"CuteFTP Pro® maximizes bandwidth throughput, download from multiple sites while uploading or browsing, automatically update Web content, automate routine tasks and customize data management processes. Additional power features include accelerated file transfers, zip files on upload, automated scheduling and sophisticated scripting capabilities."

  • Download, install, and open up CuteFTP Pro.
  • Click on File, New, then SFTP (SSH2) Site.
  • Another window will appear and you will need to fill in the appropriate information.
  • Change to the TYPE tab and change the Protocol type: to SFTP using SSH2 (Secure Shell).
  • When finished, click on Connect.
  • A window will pop up and ask if you trust the certifcate. If you are sure you are connecting to the correct server click on Yes.
  • The contents of what's already stored onto your account is shown on the right window.
To Upload Files
  • On the right window, find where you wish to store the uploaded file.
  • On the bottom of the left window, click on Local Drives. Now you can navigate throughout your computer from the top of the left window to find the file you want to upload.
  • When you find a file you wish to upload, drag the file from the left window to the right window.
  • All activities will be shown on the bottom of the screen in the "Queue Window."
To Download Files
  • On the bottom of the left window, click on Local Drives. Now you can navigate throughout your computer from the top of the left window to find to find where you want to store the downloaded file.
  • On the right window, find the file you want to download.
  • When you find file you wish to download, drag the file from the right window to the left window.
  • All activities will be shown on the bottom of the screen in the "Queue Window."

Mac

Using OS X's Terminal to SFTP

The Terminal, built-in to Mac OS X, located in the Utilities folder, is a UNIX terminal and can perform as a very basic SFTP program. It only works on the command-line, though.

Macintosh computers do not come with a built-in SFTP program, so you will need to get one. One we recommend is Fetch (15 day trial).

  • Download, install, and open up Fetch.
  • It then show you a "New Connection" window. Fill in the boxes with the appropriate information.
To Upload and Download Files.
  • Click on Put File... to upload a file to your account.
  • Click on Get File... to download a file to your computer.
  • You can double-click on the folders in your account to navigate around folders until you find the files you want or the folder you want to be in.