Getting Started
Q: When should I use FTP/SFTP?
A: We recommend using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) if transferring up to 50GB of data and if uploading files that are each larger than 2.5GB. Not sure how to go about moving the data? Learn more about Egnyte's migration services.
FTP or SFTP is NOT recommended as a migration or backup tool. If more than 50GB data needs to transfer, consider using Egnyte's Migration App or some other third-party tool designed to handle larger data migrations.
Q: How do I enable FTP/SFTP?
A: Follow this process:
- As an Admin, navigate to the Configuration tab of Settings.
- Choose Applications from the left side and scroll down to the FTP and SFTP section.
- For FTP, Click on the Enable FTP toggle to enable FTP and choose the types of users that will be allowed to utilize the feature (Admins or Admins & Power Users).
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For SFTP, Click on the Enable SFTP toggle to enable SFTP and choose the types of users that will be allowed to utilize the feature (Admins or Admins & Power Users or Admins & Assigned Users). For more information about Role-Based Administration of SFTP, see Role-Based Administration.
- There are two SFTP authentication methods: Password (Basic Authentication) and SSH Key. For more information, see FTP/SFTP Settings and Adding and Removing SFTP SSH Keys.
SFTP (SSH-based FTP) when enabled allows the selected user type(s) access via SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). It is recommended for the highest security.
If users receive one of the error messages below, it means that the service has not been enabled for the domain or for their user type. An Administrator will need to enable it using the steps above.
SFTP access is not available to this user.
Contact your account Administrator for details.SFTP access is not available to this domain.
Contact your account Administrator for details.Only password authentication is allowed. We do not support key-based authentication.
Q: How do I configure FTP/SFTP?
A: We have prepared step-by-step instructions for configuring FTP and SFTP using a few providers. Refer to below links for instructions
- FileZilla (Windows and Mac)
- CyberDuck (Mac)
- WinSCP (Windows)
- Fetch (Mac)
- Command Line (Linux/Mac)
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Windows Explorer
General
Q: Does FTP/SFTP preserve timestamps?
A: Egnyte's FTP and SFTP service provides the ability to preserve timestamps when files are uploaded to the cloud from user's computer. For this to work, user needs to enable the option in FTP client. For steps to preserve timestamps for FileZilla and WinSCP refer below.
Q: How can users check which ciphers and encryption algorithms Egnyte's SFTP server supports?
A: Users can use nmap tool to scan Egnyte's SFTP server and see its supported algorithms. Run the following command, replacing {domain} with the Egnyte domain name:
nmap -Pn -n -p22 -vv --open --script=ssh2-enum-algos.nse ftp-{domain}.egnyte.com
This will return the list of algorithms the Egnyte SFTP server supports.
FileZilla
In FileZilla, for example, the option to preserve timestamps is available in the Transfer menu as shown below. Once user select this option, uploaded files will be loaded into Egnyte with the original timestamp from user's computer.
WinSCP
In WinSCP, the option to preserve timestamps can be selected in the Options -> Preferences menu, then choosing Transfer -> Binary preset. On the screen, the Preserve timestamp checkbox should be selected.
Then, user need to turn off the Enable transfer resume/transfer to temporary filename for. Go to Options-> Preferences menu and then in the Transfer-> Endurance section, the Enable transfer resume /transfer to temporary filename option should be disabled.
Q: Can I use Active Transfer Mode for FTP/SFTP?
A: No. Egnyte's FTP does not support Active Transfer Mode. Enable Passive Transfer Mode when setting up the FTP client.
Q: What are the disadvantages or considerations when using FTP?
A: Several considerations should be taken into account if planning to use FTP for data transfer to Egnyte, as opposed to a purpose-built migration tool such as Migration App.
- FTP is inherently an insecure data transfer method. For all files sent using this protocol, username, password and even the data are all shared in plain text. This means any hacker can access this information with a minimum of effort. For secure data transfer, choose FTPS or SFTP.
- FTP may not meet customers compliance requirements. Using FTP with inadequate security could leave business at risk for noncompliance fines. If business is concerned with compliance regulations such as SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, ITAR or the like, it might be challenging to find an FTP solution that is sufficiently secure.
- FTP is not 100% reliable with regard to file integrity, and it's difficult to validate whether a file has been mishandled or corrupted after being transferred.
- FTP rarely offers the ability to track and validate what's been uploaded to the remote system. If files are mishandled or a data breach occurs, users may struggle to track the source of the problem.
- FTP does not offer visibility into the progress of the data transfer. This may not be important for smaller batch uploads. But with an interactive User Interface like that offered by Egnyte's Migration App, it can view migration progress (or lack thereof) in real time, which is a decidedly better solution for larger migration projects.
- There is a four-hour time limit on single file upload via FTP.
- FTP is limited to seven simultaneous uploads or downloads.
- FTP cannot be used on folders with more than 15K child items.
Learn more about Egnyte's migration services.
Troubleshooting
Q: I received a "Port is disabled" error message. What should I do?
A: If user hits the 501 PORT is disabled error, make sure that passive connections is used and navigate to Edit ==> Settings ==> Connection => FTP ==> and uncheck "Allow fall back to other transfer mode on failure" as seen below.
Q: I received an "FTP Login Fails - 530 Authentication Failure" error message. What should I do?
A: If login to FTP is failing, make sure username is correct. For FTP, the username should be <username>$<egnytedomain>.
Example: While accessing Egnyte at https://abc.egnyte.com using username jim to log in, then FTP username should be jim$abc.
If all of the above is correct and still cannot log in, contact Support by submitting a ticket.
Too many incorrect password attempts may temporarily block the access for security reasons. If this happens, wait for some time before trying again with the correct password.
Q: Why are my files are getting corrupted after uploading to Egnyte using FTP/SFTP?
A: Make sure that FTP/SFTP client's transfer type is set to binary. Instructions for how to do this in different clients can be found in the following guides.
The popular client Cyberduck transfers all content in binary by default.
If still experiencing issues, contact our Support Team.
Q: My FTP client does not support $ symbol in the username, what should I do?
A: Use any following symbols as separator instead of the $ symbol:
% # | @ &