Secure File Access Using SFTP and SSH Keys Print

  • ftp
  • sftp
  • ssh

For security reasons, JUCRA Digital does not provide standard FTP access on our shared hosting servers. All direct file access is provided using SFTP over SSH with SSH key authentication.

Access Policy

Standard FTP Disabled
FTPS Disabled
SFTP Supported
Connection Method SSH (via custom port)
Authentication SSH Public/Private Key Pair
Password-Only Access Not Permitted

Why FTP Is Disabled

Traditional FTP is an ageing protocol and is a frequent target for automated brute-force attacks, credential theft and other forms of unauthorised access.

Running an FTP service also increases the number of publicly accessible services on a server, increasing the overall attack surface.

For this reason, JUCRA Digital has removed standard FTP and FTPS services from our shared hosting infrastructure wherever possible and requires secure file transfers to take place using SFTP over SSH.

This forms part of our wider security policy of removing unnecessary legacy services and using stronger authentication methods wherever available.

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How SFTP Access Works

SFTP stands for SSH File Transfer Protocol and operates through the same secure SSH service used for command-line server access.

Unlike traditional FTP, all communication between your computer and the server is encrypted.

  • File contents are encrypted during transfer.
  • Authentication information is encrypted.
  • Connections take place through SSH.
  • SFTP on our server uses a custom port. Contact us for the port number.
  • A valid SSH key must be authorised before access is permitted.

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SSH Key Authentication

Direct SFTP access requires an SSH public/private key pair.

The private key remains securely on your computer and must never be shared with JUCRA Digital or any other third party.

The corresponding public key is added to your Cpanel account authorised on the hosting account.

When you connect, the server verifies that your private key corresponds with the authorised public key. This allows authentication without transmitting a reusable password across the network.

Important: Never send your private SSH key to our support team or anyone.

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Compatible Software

Most modern file transfer applications support SFTP and SSH keys, including:

  • FileZilla
  • Cyberduck
  • WinSCP
  • Transmit
  • Visual Studio Code using an appropriate SSH/SFTP extension
  • Command-line SFTP and SCP tools

When configuring your connection, select SFTP rather than FTP or FTPS.

Your connection details will normally consist of the server hostname, SSH username, port 22 and your authorised private SSH key.

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Using SFTP Access

You can upload your public key to your Cpanel account directly.

You will need to add your SSH public key

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Related Announcement

Further information about the retirement of standard FTP across our shared hosting platform can be found in our infrastructure announcement:

Introduction of Mandatory SFTP Access on Shared Hosting Servers - Standard FTP Retired

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