Ubuntu Server 23.04

How to Setup SFTP Server on Ubuntu 23.04

To set up an SFTP server on Ubuntu 23.04, follow the steps below.

Step 1 : Update System Packages

Ensure your system is up to date by running the following commands:

sudo apt update

Step 2 : Install OpenSSH Server

Install the OpenSSH server using the following command:

sudo apt install openssh-server

Step 3 : Open and Edit sshd_config

Open the sshd_config file using a text editor, for example, nano:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Add the following lines to the file:

Subsystem sftp internal-sftp

Match Group sftp
        ChrootDirectory %h
        X11Forwarding no
        AllowTcpForwarding no
        ForceCommand internal-sftp

Step 4 : Restart SSH Service

Restart the SSH service to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

Step 5 : Create SFTP Group

Create a group for SFTP users:

sudo groupadd sftp

Step 6 : Create SFTP User

Add a new SFTP user using the adduser command:

sudo adduser sftpuser

Step 7 : Assign User to Group

Add the SFTP user to the SFTP group:

sudo usermod -aG sftp sftpuser

Step 8 : Configure Permissions

Set the correct permissions for the user's home directory:

sudo chown root:root /home/sftpuser
sudo chmod 755 /home/sftpuser

Step 9 : Allow Traffic in UFW

If UFW is enabled, allow SSH traffic:

sudo ufw allow OpenSSH

Step 10 : Restart SSH Service

Restart the SSH service again to ensure all changes take effect:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

Step 11 : Test Connection

- Open SFTP Client (FileZilla)

- Go to "File" > "Site Manager."

- Configure Site:

+ Click on "New Site" and give it a name.

+ In the "Host" field, enter your server's IP address.

+ Set "Port" to 22.

+ Choose "SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol" as the protocol.

+ For "Logon Type," select "Normal."

+ Enter the SFTP username you created earlier in the "User" field.

+ Enter the corresponding password in the "Password" field.

- Click on "Connect" to establish a connection to the SFTP server.

- If this is your first time connecting, FileZilla may prompt you to accept the server's key fingerprint. Accept it to proceed.

You should now be connected to your SFTP server. You can navigate through the directories, upload, and download files securely using SFTP.

Now, you have successfully set up an SFTP server on Ubuntu 23.04.