How to setup and use Azure SFTP Service with Azure Storage.

by | Jan 15, 2023 | Azure, Cloud Computing, Security, Storage Accounts

Azure SFTP

Azure SFTP Service with Azure Storage overview

Azure SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a service provided by Microsoft Azure that enables you to transfer files securely to and from Azure storage. The service is built on the SFTP protocol, which provides a secure way to transfer files over the internet by encrypting both the data in transit and the data at rest. Azure SFTP allows you to easily automate the transfer of large amounts of data such as backups and log files, to and from your Azure storage account. Additionally, it allows to set permissions and access control to limit access to specific users or groups.

Azure SFTP Service limitations and guidance

To use Azure SFTP, you will first need to create an Azure storage account. Once you have a storage account set up, you can create an SFTP server by going to the Azure portal and selecting the storage account you want to use. In the settings of the storage account, there is an option to create a new SFTP server.

Once the SFTP server is created, you will be provided with a unique hostname and port to connect to the server. To connect to the server, you will need to use an SFTP client, such as WinSCP or FileZilla. You will also need to provide your SFTP server credentials, which consist of a username and password.

Once you are connected to the SFTP server, you will be able to transfer files to and from your Azure storage account. The SFTP server will automatically create a new container within your storage account to store the files. You can also create new folders within the container to organize your files.

One of the benefits of using Azure SFTP is that it allows you to easily automate the transfer of files. You can use a tool like Azure Data Factory to schedule file transfers on a regular basis. Additionally, you can use Azure Automation to automate the creation of SFTP servers, which can save time and reduce the chances of human error.

Another benefit of using Azure SFTP is that it allows you to access your files securely from anywhere. The SFTP server uses industry standard encryption to protect your data in transit and at rest. Additionally, you can use Azure Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to limit access to your SFTP server and storage account to specific users or groups.

There are some limitations to Azure SFTP that you should be aware of before using it. One limitation is that the SFTP server only supports a single concurrent connection per user. This means that if multiple people need to access the SFTP server at the same time, they will need to use different credentials. Additionally, Azure SFTP currently does not support SFTP version 6 or later, and it will not support it in near future.

Another limitation of Azure SFTP is that it does not currently support customization of SFTP server settings, such as the ability to change the default port or configure SSH options. Additionally, It does not support integration with other Azure services, such as Azure Monitor or Azure Security Center, for monitoring or logging of SFTP activity.

In conclusion, Azure SFTP is a powerful service that allows you to securely transfer files to and from Azure storage. It is easy to use, and can be automated to save time and reduce the chances of human error. It allows you to access your files securely from anywhere, and it uses industry standard encryption to protect your data in transit and at rest. However, it does have some limitations, such as not supporting multiple concurrent connections per user and not supporting customization of SFTP server settings.

How do you connect to Azure SFTP Service?

To connect to Azure SFTP Service, you will need to perform the following steps:

  1. Create an Azure storage account: You will need a storage account to create an SFTP server. You can create a storage account in the Azure portal or using Azure CLI or Azure PowerShell.
  2. Create an SFTP server: Go to the Azure portal, select your storage account, and then select the option to create a new SFTP server. Once the SFTP server is created, you will be provided with a unique hostname and port to connect to the server.
  3. Install an SFTP client: To connect to the SFTP server, you will need to use an SFTP client such as WinSCP, FileZilla, or Cyberduck.
  4. Connect to the SFTP server: Use the hostname and port provided in step 2, along with the SFTP server credentials (username and password) to connect to the SFTP server via the SFTP client.
  5. Transfer files: Once you are connected to the SFTP server, you can transfer files to and from your Azure storage account. By default, the SFTP server will create a new container within your storage account to store the files.

It is also worth mentioning that once you connect to the SFTP server you will have an access to all the capabilities of the SFTP protocol, including creation, deletion, editing, copying and moving of files, as well as folder structure management.