SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is a secure method of transferring files between computers over a network. Unlike traditional FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which sends data in plain text, SFTP uses SSH (Secure Shell) encryption to protect files, credentials, and commands from being intercepted. This makes it a preferred choice for businesses and IT teams that need to move sensitive data, such as financial records, medical information, or proprietary files, across systems or to the cloud.

With SFTP, organizations benefit from enhanced security, authentication, and reliability when automating workflows or sharing large files. It’s widely supported by servers, cloud platforms, and managed file transfer solutions, making it a cornerstone technology for secure data exchange.

SFTP Explained: How Files.com Takes It Further

What is the Difference Between FTP and SFTP?

Enterprises and large organizations choose SFTP over FTP because it provides the security and reliability needed for modern file sharing. While File Transfer Protocol sends files, usernames, and passwords in plain text, SFTP encrypts both the login details and the files during transfer. 

This protects sensitive information such as financial records, customer data, and business documents from interception and unauthorized access. For companies that must meet strict compliance requirements and handle large volumes of data, Secure File Transfer Protocol offers a trusted and secure solution for sharing files at scale.

Files.com is a cloud-native file transfer platform with full support for the SSH File Transfer Protocol. Acting as a complete SFTP server, your Files.com site allows inbound connections from users, partners, applications, and systems, while also supporting outbound connections to other SFTP servers. This native integration makes it easy to seamlessly connect Files.com with any SFTP server or client using port 22 and SSH version 2.0. 

In addition, Files.com provides powerful access controls, permissions, and platform capabilities to automate, manage, and monitor file transfers at scale - enhancing security, visibility, and reliability across all your SFTP workflows.

Workflow Enhancements and Integration Features

Enhance, secure, and expand your business processes by connecting other SFTP server content with Files.com workflow features such as Inboxes, Share Links, GPG, Automations, more file transfer protocol options (FTP, AS2, WebDAV, etc.), authentication and authorization (Single-Sign-On, Active Directory, LDAP, SAML, etc.), online co-editing, iPaaS integrations, and a rich selection of notification options (webhooks, Slack, Amazon SNS.)

Enterprise-Grade SFTP for Regulated Industries

When it comes to managing large volumes of financial data and sensitive customer information,  shared daily with regulators, payment networks, and partner institutions, file transfer workflows need to be secure, compliant, and reliable. One of the most practical and widely adopted solutions? Transferring files via SFTP.

Enterprise Use Case: Compliant and Secure File Transfers for Banking and Finance

SFTP is a cornerstone of secure data exchange in industries where compliance is non-negotiable. Using SSH encryption, it protects files, credentials, and commands in transit, making it the protocol of choice for organizations handling sensitive information.

In banking and financial services, institutions exchange massive volumes of data daily - customer account information, loan applications, wire transfers, and regulatory reports. These workflows must remain both secure and compliant with strict industry standards.

With Files.com’s built-in SFTP capabilities, banks and financial institutions can:

Securely exchange files with regulators, payment networks, and partner institutions using SFTP, which encrypts both authentication and data in transit.

Maintain compliance with regulations such as GLBA, SOX, PCI DSS, and FINRA by leveraging Files.com’s audit logs, granular access controls, and data governance features.

Automate critical workflows like daily transaction reports, settlement files, or customer statement distribution with inbound and outbound SFTP connections to core banking systems and third-party processors.

Centralize oversight with monitoring, permissions, and detailed reporting, ensuring visibility into every file transfer across the institution.

By combining the security of SSH-based SFTP with the advanced management capabilities of Files.com, financial institutions can streamline operations, reduce manual risks, and protect sensitive data at scale - all while staying compliant with regulatory mandates.

For example, a global bank might use SFTP to automatically send end-of-day transaction files to a clearinghouse or securely share customer account data with a payment processor. These workflows require not only encryption but also automation, reliability, and full auditability to meet regulatory demands.

This is where Files.com makes the difference. Your Files.com site can act as a complete SFTP server for inbound connections while also connecting outbound to other SFTP systems. Beyond the protocol itself, Files.com adds enterprise-grade features such as granular access controls, automation, monitoring, and compliance-ready audit logs.

Sensitive data moves constantly across regulated industries like banking, healthcare, and financial services - and every transfer must meet strict compliance and security standards. Secure File Transfer Protocol provides the encryption and reliability these organizations need to share information safely across internal systems, partners, and regulators. With Files.com, enterprises can extend those protections even further, gaining automation, centralized control, and full visibility into every transfer. The result is a secure, compliant, and scalable foundation for exchanging mission-critical data.

An Enterprise SFTP Solution Built for Compliancy

Files.com delivers a complete enterprise SFTP solution designed for organizations that can’t afford to compromise on security or compliance. In banking and finance, Files.com enables secure delivery of transaction files, statements, and reports to regulators and payment networks. In healthcare, it ensures protected health information remains encrypted during every exchange, helping organizations maintain HIPAA compliance. With built-in automation, audit logging, and granular permissions, Files.com gives regulated enterprises confidence that every file transfer, whether inbound or outbound, is encrypted, traceable, and policy-compliant.

How to Use Secure File Transfer Protocol to Upload Files

Uploading files with Secure File Transfer Protocol is one of the most reliable ways to move data between systems securely. Unlike older file transfer methods, Secure File Transfer Protocol uses encrypted connections to protect your files, credentials, and commands during every upload.

To get started, you first connect to an SFTP server using your login credentials or SSH key authentication. Most enterprise environments and cloud platforms, including Files.com, use port 22 and SSH encryption to establish a secure channel. Once connected, you can easily upload files or folders from your local system to a remote directory on the server.

Secure file uploads can be performed manually using an SFTP client or automated through scheduled workflows and scripts, ensuring consistency and reducing manual effort.

Flexible SFTP Integration Options with Files.com 

With Files.com, you get more than just an SFTP connection - you get a platform that adapts to the way your business works. Whether you need to connect internal systems, external partners, or legacy infrastructure, Files.com makes it simple to bring everything together securely.

Inbound SFTP Connections: Allow your users and partners to connect directly to Files.com via SFTP. Once inside, they can securely access any part of your account - including folders synced with third-party services like Dropbox, Box, or Amazon S3.

External SFTP Mounts: Treat an external SFTP server as if it were part of Files.com. Mount it and instantly make its contents available through the Files.com web interface, APIs, SDKs, or even other inbound SFTP connections.

Scheduled SFTP Syncs: Keep everything in sync, automatically. Push, pull, or two-way synchronize files between Files.com and any external SFTP server on a schedule that works for you, eliminating manual transfers and reducing risk.

By supporting all three integration types, Files.com ensures your SFTP workflows are not only secure but also streamlined, automated, and accessible across your entire organization.

Ready to Maximize Your SFTP Protocols with Files.com?

The Files.com platform focuses on providing the means for any type of file transfer with scalability and efficiency. Ready to get started today? Try a free 7-day trial with full access to the entire Files.com platform, including all integrations, automations, protocols, and APIs.

Files.com's integration for SFTP is a core integration of Files.com, maintained by the Files.com team, and is fully supported as part of your Files.com subscription. Any Files.com customer on the Power plan and up can use outbound SFTP as part of your existing subscription.

Want to learn more about your integrating your SFTP workflows with Files.com? We’ve got the following with everything you need to know:

Setting up SSH Keypairs for Password-less Authentication

Your Files.com site is a full-featured SFTP server, allowing inbound SFTP connections from your users, partners, applications, and systems.

Use Files.com Native Integration With Any SFTP Provider

Secure, Centralized Access with Cisco Duo SSO

Integrating Cisco Duo SSO with Files.com brings together identity-driven security and frictionless file access. By connecting your Duo environment, users can log in once with their existing corporate credentials and multi-factor authentication (MFA), gaining instant, secure access to Files.com—no extra passwords required. 

Cisco Duo SSO is a cloud-based single sign-on (SSO) solution that unifies authentication across all your business applications. It verifies every login through adaptive MFA and centralized identity policies, giving IT teams complete control over how users access sensitive systems like Files.com.

Cisco Duo SSO delivers seamless authentication, simplified user management, and enterprise-grade protection in your Files.com workspace, making it easier for organizations to enforce zero trust security without compromising user experience.

How Does Cisco Duo SSO Work with Files.com?

Integrating Cisco Duo SSO allows your organization to manage user access through a single, secure identity platform. Built on SAML 2.0, this connection ensures every Files.com login is authenticated and verified through Cisco Duo’s trusted multi-factor authentication (MFA) process.

When a user signs in to Files.com, the authentication request is routed to Cisco Duo SSO for identity verification and MFA approval before access is granted, ensuring every session is both trusted and compliant.

Every Files.com login is protected by Cisco Duo’s adaptive multi-factor authentication, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Manage access to Files.com through your existing Cisco Duo SSO policies, no manual account setup or credential sprawl.

Automatically grant and revoke user access in real time as part of your established identity lifecycle.

Maintain detailed access logs and verification trails aligned with zero trust and regulatory compliance standards.

One password, one login. Making it simple for users while keeping control in IT’s hands.

The Cisco Duo SSO integration is built for organizations that need secure, centralized access management across their file operations. Whether you’re operating in a regulated industry or managing distributed teams, this integration brings enterprise-grade control and scalability to your Files.com environment. 

Ideal for Enterprises Standardizing Identity Across Cloud Systems

Simplify authentication and access management for thousands of users by linking Files.com to your Cisco Duo SSO environment.

Regulated Industries Requiring Secure File Access and Compliance: Meet industry regulations and data security standards with enforced multi-factor authentication (MFA) and full audit visibility.

Global Teams and Remote Workforces Using Secure SSO for File Management: Protect distributed teams and remote users with identity-verified access to Files.com from anywhere, powered by Cisco Duo SSO.

IT and Security Teams Implementing Zero Trust Authentication: Enforce zero trust principles across every Files.com login, ensuring continuous verification and adaptive access control through Cisco Duo SSO.

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Centralizing Client Authentication: Manage multiple client environments securely with centralized authentication and easy access provisioning through Cisco Duo SSO.

Ready to Integrate Cisco Duo SSO with Files.com?

To connect Cisco Duo SSO with Files.com, create a new SSO Provider in your Files.com admin settings and select Duo as the provider type. Give it a Display Name so users can identify it during login.

Files.com supports three ways to connect your SAML provider:

Metadata URL (Recommended): The easiest and most reliable method. Paste the Metadata URL from Duo into Files.com — this option automatically updates certificate renewals and service URLs.

Metadata XML File: Download the XML file from your Duo admin console and upload it directly into Files.com.

Certificate Fingerprint: Download Duo’s certificate, generate the SHA-256 fingerprint using OpenSSL, and enter it along with your Duo IDP URL in Files.com for full manual control.

Each method securely establishes trust between Cisco Duo SSO and Files.com, ensuring every login is authenticated through your organization’s verified SAML configuration.

The Files.com integration with Cisco Duo allows your users to use Cisco Duo credentials to log in to Files.com, making login seamless and easy.

Integrate Files.com To Cisco Duo SSO Customers Seamlessly

Centralize Authentication and Secure Every Login with OneLogin

Connect OneLogin to Files.com to unify authentication and simplify secure access for your entire organization. With OneLogin Single Sign-On (SSO), users can log in to Files.com using their existing company credentials - no new passwords to remember, no extra steps to sign in.

This integration gives IT teams centralized identity control while providing users with a fast, secure, and consistent login experience across all their business applications.

When configured as your identity provider, OneLogin manages authentication while Files.com enforces your defined access permissions.

Centralized Identity Management: Manage all users, roles, and permissions directly from your OneLogin directory.

Streamlined Login: Users can access Files.com from the OneLogin dashboard or directly through the Files.com login page using SAML-based authentication.

Quick Setup: Files.com supports standard SAML 2.0 configuration, making integration with OneLogin fast, secure, and reliable.

What Are the Benefits of Using OneLogin with Files.com?

Enhanced Security and Compliance: Enforce company-wide MFA, adaptive authentication, and conditional access policies through OneLogin.

Simplified User Experience: Eliminate multiple logins - Files.com users simply click once in OneLogin to access all their authorized apps and files.

Automated Provisioning: Use OneLogin’s provisioning tools to automatically add, update, or remove users in Files.com based on your company directory.

Full SAML 2.0 Support: Files.com’s standards-based SSO integration ensures a smooth, secure connection with OneLogin’s identity platform.

Real-World Use Cases for IT Teams and Enterprises That Value Control

Enterprises Standardizing SSO Across Systems

Organizations managing multiple SaaS platforms can use OneLogin to bring every application—including Files.com—under a single, secure login experience.

A global logistics firm connects Files.com to OneLogin, giving employees worldwide one-click access to shared file repositories.

Financial institutions reduce password resets and audit complexity by consolidating authentication for Files.com and other business tools through OneLogin.

Organizations Centralizing Identity Governance

Companies with strict compliance or data governance requirements can manage all access policies through OneLogin while ensuring Files.com adheres to the same controls.

A healthcare provider enforces MFA for all Files.com logins to maintain HIPAA compliance.

A manufacturing company uses OneLogin’s audit trails to track who accessed design and IP files stored on Files.com.

IT Teams Automating User Lifecycle and Enforcing Zero Trust

IT departments can integrate Files.com with OneLogin to automate provisioning and enforce context-aware access rules that align with Zero Trust principles.

When an employee departs, OneLogin automatically deactivates their Files.com access—no manual intervention required.

A SaaS company applies adaptive MFA through OneLogin, requiring additional verification for remote Files.com sessions.

Unified Access. Centralized Security. Effortless Integration.

Integrating OneLogin with Files.com brings your authentication strategy into one streamlined framework - secure, efficient, and built for scale. Give your users instant access while keeping your IT environment fully under control.

Learn more about setting up OneLogin SSO with Files.com in our documentation.

Ready to maximize OneLogin with Files.com?

To get started, go to your Files.com dashboard, navigate to Integrations

Under the Integrations section, scroll down or locate the option labeled SSO to enable OneLogin.

The Files.com integration with Onelogin allows your users to use Onelogin credentials to log in to Files.com, making login seamless and easy.

Offer Files.com To Onelogin Customers Without Managing Fresh Credentials

Simplify Secure Access with SAML and Files.com

Files.com supports SAML-based Single Sign-On (SSO), enabling organizations to centralize authentication across all users and applications. Whether your company uses Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, OneLogin, Ping Identity, or another SAML provider, integrating with Files.com ensures secure access control with just a single login.

SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open standard that enables SSO, allowing users to log into multiple applications using one set of credentials. Instead of managing separate usernames and passwords across systems, SAML lets your identity provider (IdP), such as Okta or Microsoft Entra ID, verify a user’s identity and securely pass that verification to Files.com.

This means users enjoy fast, secure access to Files.com, while IT teams maintain centralized control over authentication, compliance, and access policies.

SAML acts as a secure bridge between a user, their IdP, and a Service Provider - the application they’re trying to access. When a user attempts to log in, the application redirects them to their Identity Provider, such as Okta or OneLogin, where their credentials are verified. 

Once authenticated, the IdP sends back a digitally signed SAML assertion, confirming the user’s identity. The Service Provider then grants access based on that trusted verification. This all happens behind the scenes in just seconds, allowing users to move seamlessly between systems while maintaining strong, centralized security.

Centralized Authentication: Manage user access in one place using your existing identity provider.

Enhanced Security: Reduce password fatigue and limit exposure by eliminating multiple logins.

Seamless User Experience: Employees log in once to access all connected systems, including Files.com.

Compliance-Ready: Aligns with enterprise requirements for SOC 2, GDPR, ITAR, and HIPAA environments.

Scalable for Enterprise: Support for thousands of users across multiple departments or business units.

User Initiates Access: A user visits your Files.com site or a shared link.

Redirect to Identity Provider: Files.com securely redirects them to your configured SAML IdP.

Verification: The IdP authenticates the user and sends a SAML assertion back to Files.com.

Access Granted: Files.com grants access based on your configured permissions and group policies.

Files.com supports both SP-Initiated and IdP-Initiated SSO flows.

Files.com supports SCIM provisioning and is designed to integrate seamlessly with popular identity providers with SAML based integrations, as well as with generic SAML integration if your IdP supports SCIM provisioning. Visit the SCIM Provisioning page for more details.

Integrate your identity provider and start simplifying access today.

Visit your Files.com Integrations menu or follow our SAML Documentation Guide for more. 

Connect SFTP server content with Files.com to seamlessly send and receive files in a secure file transfer protocol.

Your Files.com Site Is A Full SFTP Server For Inbound SFTP Connections

Secure, Streamlined Access with Microsoft Entra ID SSO

Connect Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) to Files.com to centralize identity management and simplify secure access for every user in your organization. With Entra ID Single Sign-On employees can log in to Files.com using their existing Microsoft 365 credentials, with no extra passwords or accounts to manage.

This integration brings your organization’s security and compliance standards directly into Files.com, unifying authentication across your entire Microsoft ecosystem.

Microsoft Azure Files: Mount directly into Files.com as a folder or sync with the Azure Files file share.

Microsoft Azure Blob Storage: Integrate with a Microsoft Azure Blob storage bucket via sync or mount into Files.com as a folder.

Integration with Microsoft Entra ID can be achieved using SAML, OAuth, or the LDAP protocol. You can also have more than one Entra ID instance or app connected to your Files.com site.

How Microsoft Entra ID Works with Files.com

When connected as your identity provider, Microsoft Entra ID handles authentication while Files.com enforces your access policies.

Centralized Identity Management – Use your existing Entra ID directory to control who can access Files.com.

Seamless Login Experience – Sign in to Files.com through Microsoft SSO using the same credentials as Microsoft 365, Teams, and other Entra-connected apps.

Quick, Standards-Based Setup – Files.com supports SAML 2.0, ensuring smooth integration with your Entra ID tenant.

Benefits of Using Microsoft Entra ID with Files.com

Enterprise-Grade Security: Enforce conditional access, MFA, and compliance policies directly from your Entra ID environment.

Frictionless User Access: Empower users to sign in once with their Microsoft credentials and gain instant access to Files.com.

Automatic User Lifecycle Management: Sync user creation and deactivation with your Entra ID directory to maintain consistent access controls.

Hybrid and Cloud Support: Extend your Microsoft identity framework to Files.com whether your environment is fully cloud-based or hybrid with on-premises Active Directory.

Organizations using Microsoft 365 or Entra ID for identity management

Enterprises implementing SSO and MFA for compliance and security

IT teams centralizing access to cloud applications

Unified Access. Centralized Control. Seamless Security.

Integrating Microsoft Entra ID with Files.com brings together your identity, access, and compliance strategies under one trusted framework. Provide your users with the convenience of single sign-on while maintaining complete administrative control and auditability.

Learn more about configuring Microsoft Entra ID SSO for Files.com in our documentation.

Ready to maximize Microsoft Entra ID with Files.com?

Under the Integrations section, scroll down or locate the option labeled SSO to enable Microsoft Entra ID.

Files.com integrates with Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), providing Single-Sign-On (SSO) capabilities.

Integrate Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) SSO With Files.com

Strengthen Security and Simplify Access with Idaptive SSO

Connect your Files.com site to Idaptive to give your users secure, seamless access through Single Sign-On. With Idaptive SSO, employees can log in to Files.com using their existing corporate credentials—reducing password fatigue while maintaining strong, centralized access control.

This integration helps IT teams enforce enterprise-grade security policies while delivering a smooth, user-friendly login experience.

When Idaptive is configured as your identity provider, Files.com uses your existing authentication policies and directory for secure login.

Centralized Authentication – Manage all user identities and access rules directly in Idaptive’s unified identity platform.

Streamlined Login Experience – Users access Files.com via the Idaptive dashboard or directly through the Files.com login page using SAML-based authentication.

Fast, Standards-Based Setup – Files.com supports SAML 2.0, making integration with Idaptive straightforward and reliable for enterprises of any size.

Benefits of Using Idaptive with Files.com

Zero Trust Security: Enforce adaptive MFA, conditional access, and behavioral analytics through Idaptive’s identity management framework to protect sensitive files.

Simplified User Access: Enable one-click access to Files.com from the Idaptive portal - no need to manage or remember multiple credentials.

Centralized User Lifecycle Management: Automatically provision or deprovision access to Files.com based on your Idaptive directory, ensuring permissions always reflect your organization’s current roster.

Full SAML 2.0 Support: Files.com integrates cleanly with Idaptive using secure, standards-based SAML 2.0 protocols for consistent authentication across systems.

Enterprises standardizing identity management with Idaptive or Centrify

Organizations prioritizing Zero Trust and adaptive security

IT teams seeking centralized control over user access and compliance

Ready to maximize Idaptive with Files.com?

Under the Integrations section, scroll down or locate the option labeled SSO to enable Idaptive.

The Files.com integration with Idaptive allows your users to use Idaptive credentials to log in to Files.com, making login seamless and easy.

Offer Files.com To Idaptive Customers Without Managing Fresh Credentials

Simplify and Secure Access with Auth0 SSO

Connect your Files.com site to Auth0 to streamline authentication and centralize identity management across your organization. With Auth0 Single Sign-On, users can log in to Files.com using their existing corporate credentials, with no new passwords to manage, no additional steps to remember.

This integration enhances both security and user experience, ensuring that only authorized users have access to your Files.com environment while keeping login simple and familiar.

When Auth0 is connected as your SSO provider, Files.com uses your existing identity framework for authentication.

Centralized Identity Control – Manage users and permissions from within Auth0, ensuring consistent access rules across your applications.

Streamlined User Access – Log in once through Auth0 and instantly access Files.com with SAML-based authentication.

Seamless Integration – Set up in minutes using standard SAML 2.0 configuration. Files.com fully supports enterprise identity providers, including Auth0, Okta, Azure AD, and more.

Enterprise-Grade Security: Enforce strong authentication policies, MFA, and conditional access through Auth0’s security features.

Frictionless User Experience: Eliminate password fatigue and reduce helpdesk tickets by using a single set of credentials for Files.com and all other SSO-connected apps.

Easy Provisioning and Deprovisioning: Simplify user lifecycle management—when a user leaves or changes roles, access to Files.com updates automatically based on your Auth0 directory.

Full SAML 2.0 Support: Files.com’s SSO integration is standards-based, making setup straightforward and compatible with custom Auth0 configurations.

Under the Integrations section, scroll down or locate the option labeled SSO to enable Auth0.

The Files.com integration to Auth0 allows your users to use Auth0 credentials to log in to Files.com, making login seamless and easy.

Offer Files.com To Auth0 Customers Without Managing Fresh Credentials

Log in Seamlessly with Your Google Credentials

Connect your Files.com site to Google Accounts for a faster, simpler, and more secure login experience. With Google Single Sign-On (SSO), users can access Files.com using the same credentials they already use for Gmail, Google Workspace, or other Google services - no new passwords to remember, no extra steps to log in.

This integration helps organizations that rely on Google Workspace unify access across tools while maintaining strong authentication and compliance standards.

Note that Single sign-on authentication can only be used with browser-based sessions, or with the Files.com Desktop App.

When you enable Google SSO for your Files.com site, your users can sign in using their Google credentials directly through the secure Google authentication flow.

Unified Access: Use the same Google login your team already relies on to access Files.com instantly.

Secure Authentication: Leverage Google’s trusted OAuth 2.0 framework and MFA capabilities to ensure secure, identity-verified access.

Simple Configuration: Connect Files.com to your Google Workspace domain or allow individual Google accounts with minimal setup.

Benefits of Using Google SSO with Files.com

Enhanced Security with Google Authentication
Use Google’s proven authentication infrastructure, including MFA and security alerts, to safeguard file access on Files.com.

Frictionless Login Experience
Eliminate redundant passwords and streamline user access with a single click using “Sign in with Google.”

Centralized User Management
Control access through your Google Workspace admin console—add or remove users, and Files.com access updates automatically.

Compatible with OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect
Files.com’s SSO integration supports Google’s standard authentication protocols, making setup fast and reliable for any organization.

Teams using Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.)

Organizations standardizing authentication through Google

IT teams focused on simplifying access management and enforcing MFA

With Google Accounts SSO, Files.com becomes part of your organization’s connected workspace - secure, easy to access, and built for efficiency.

The Files.com integration to Google allows your users to use Google credentials to log in to Files.com, making login seamless and easy.

Support Added for Custom SSL Certificates

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