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How to Connect via sFTP

WebHostMost offers sFTP (secure FTP) as an alternative secure method to transfer files between your local machine and your hosting account. Alongside sFTP, we also provide direct SSH access. sFTP encrypts your data, keeping your information secure during file transfers.

In this guide, we'll walk you through two scenarios:

  1. Connecting via sFTP when your SSH key and .ppk file are automatically set up by the server.
  2. Connecting via sFTP when you don't have the SSH key or .ppk file yet.

1. Connecting via sFTP (With SSH Key and .ppk File)​

If you're a new user, your hosting account has already been configured with the following:

  • An SSH key generated and added to your Web Control Panel (under Security Management > SSH Keys).
  • A .ppk file automatically generated and stored in your File Manager (learn more about the File Manager here).
  • An email sent to you containing the .ppk file as an attachment, along with your sFTP login details.

Steps to Connect via sFTP:​

  1. Download an sFTP Client:

  2. Enter Connection Details in Your sFTP Client:

    • Hostname: serverX.webhostmost.com (replace X with your server number, e.g., server8.webhostmost.com).
    • Port: 2323.
    • Username: Your Web Control Panel username (you can find it in the Web Control Panel or check the email you received during registration).
    • Private Key File (.ppk): Use the .ppk file stored in your File Manager or the one you received via email.

  3. Connect:

    • Once you've entered all details, click Connect or Login in your sFTP client. You should now be securely connected to your hosting account.

2. Connecting via sFTP (Without SSH Key and .ppk File)​

If you don’t have an SSH key or .ppk file yet, you’ll need to generate them together using PuTTY. Generating these two components simultaneously ensures that they work together, as the .ppk file will only recognize the associated SSH key created during the same process.

Steps to Generate a .ppk File and SSH Key Using PuTTY:​

  1. Download PuTTY:

  2. Generate the .ppk File and SSH Key:

    • Open PuTTYgen (part of the PuTTY suite).
    • Click Generate and move your mouse around the blank area to create randomness for the key generation.
    • Once the key is generated, you will see both the public SSH key and the option to save the private .ppk file.
      • Save the private key as a .ppk file on your computer (this will be used with your sFTP client).
      • Copy the public SSH key from the PuTTYgen window.

  3. Insert the SSH Key in the Web Control Panel:

    • Log in to your Web Control Panel and navigate to Security Management > SSH Keys.
    • Use the Paste option to add the public SSH key you copied from PuTTYgen.
    • Ensure the key is properly saved and active (under "Authorized Keys" tab).

  4. Use the .ppk File for sFTP:

    • Download the .ppk file generated by PuTTYgen to your local machine.
    • Attach the .ppk file to your sFTP client (such as FileZilla) during the connection process.

Steps to Connect via sFTP:​

After generating your SSH key and .ppk file, follow the same connection process as outlined in the first section.

  1. Download and install an sFTP client like FileZilla.
  2. Enter your connection details (Hostname, Port, Username, and Private Key File).
  3. Click Connect or Login.

Important Notes​

  • sFTP Only: While we also offer SSH access, we do not support FTP connections because FTP is an unsecured method of file transfer. sFTP ensures that your data is transferred securely by encrypting the connection.
  • Port 2323: sFTP uses port 2323, which is the same port used for SSH connections.
  • Username: Your sFTP username is the one generated for your account in the Web Control Panel. This username was also sent to your email during registration.

If you have any issues or need further assistance, please contact our support team.

By following this guide, you'll be able to securely connect to your hosting account via sFTP, ensuring the protection of your data during file transfers.