The internet can be a dangerous place. There are always stories circulating of unauthorized parties gaining access to sensitive information. Transferring data via email also carries a potential risk when using unencrypted channels. Popular transfer protocols such as FTP (file transfer protocol) or the now outdated RCP (remote copy protocol) are susceptible to data theft since they transfer file content (i.e. user names and passwords) in plain text. The SFTP protocol (SSH file transfer protocol) and SCP (secure copy) offer a more secure alternative. These enable an encrypted, authenticated connection between the server and client using SSH (secure shell). An SSH-proficient client program is available to Windows users with WinSCP. But what advantages does WinSCP offer and how can it be implemented?
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Matching emailSSL certificate24/7/365 supportWinSCP (Windows secure copy) is a client program written in the programming language, C++. It enables secure data transfer between two computers. The free software supports multiple authentication and encryption methods and therefore presents itself as a Windows-based alternative to OpenSSH and PuTTY. Based on SSH, the SFTP, and SCP protocols are used to form an encrypted connection, which is of great significance. The program supports the unencrypted transfer of FTP as well as the standard WebDAV. Just like other client programs (e.g. FileZilla), WinSCP serves as a file management on web servers via remote access. Generally, a connection is established between a local Windows PC and the web server. This makes it possible to download files from the server to the client, to upload from the client to the server as well as to manage them on the server. In this way, WinSCP offers a multitude of advantages:
WinSCP is particularly attractive for users because with this client software as they can send their data securely over an unsecured network. The integrated SSH client establishes an encrypted network connection between the local PC and a remote device (usually a web server). Like SCP, SFTP relies on the network protocol SSH and uses its encryption and authentication capabilities. There are several differences regarding the range of functions.
WinSCP runs on every Windows computer. In order to establish a connection to a web server, you need a username as well as the required log-in information. The encrypted access via SFTP or SCP requires a SSH server on the server’s side. This is usually automatically installed for Linux distributions. For the authentication from the web server you can either use a classic password or a SSH key pair. Popular hosting packets beyond beginner level generally allow access via SSH.
A key pair made of private and public keys is generated with the WinSCP integrated application PuTTYgen for a public key authentication. While the public key is saved on the SSH server, the private key is saved on the local computer. This allows WinSCP to create signatures for the authentication whose identity can be verified by the web server with help from the public key. It is often encrypted with a random password and locally saved so that the private key doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
The public key authentication can be simplified with the PuTTY authentication agent (Pageant). For this authentication help, you just have to enter your private key password when starting a Windows session. Afterwards, the Pageant keeps the key on hold in plain text for any further log-ins. If the user logs out, the Pageant shuts down without saving the unencrypted private key on the hard drive.
Visit or Digital Guide article to find out more about the first steps of WinSCPGetting started with WinSCP.
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