How to Setup SFTP Server on Ubuntu 23.10

To set up an SFTP server on Ubuntu 23.10, follow these steps:

Step 1 : Update System Packages:

sudo apt update

Step 2 : Install OpenSSH Server:

sudo apt install openssh-server

Step 3 : Edit sshd_config for SFTP:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

- Add the following lines at the end:

Subsystem sftp internal-sftp

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

- These lines configure the SSH server to use the internal SFTP server for members of the 'sftp' group, chroot them to their home directory, and prevent TCP forwarding.

- Save the changes and exit the text editor.

Step 4 : Restart SSH Service:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

Step 5 : Create SFTP Group:

sudo groupadd sftp

Step 6 : Create SFTP User:

sudo adduser sftp_user

Step 7 : Assign User to SFTP Group:

sudo usermod -aG sftp sftp_user

Step 8 : Configure Permissions:

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

Step 9 : Allow UFW Traffic:

sudo ufw allow 22

This command opens port 22 (the default SSH port) in the UFW firewall to allow SSH/SFTP traffic.

Step 10 : Restart SSH Service:

 sudo systemctl restart ssh

Restarting the SSH service ensures that the firewall changes take effect.

Step 11 : Test Connection using SFTP Client (e.g., FileZilla):

- In the "File" menu, select "Site Manager."

- Click on "New Site" and give your connection a name (e.g., MySFTP).

• In the "Host" field, enter the IP address or hostname of your Ubuntu server.
• Choose "SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol" as the protocol.
• Set the "Port" to 22.
• Choose "Normal" for Logon Type.

- Click "Connect"

- Click "Ok"

- Choose "Save passwords".

- If the connection is successful, you will see the remote directory on the right side of the FileZilla interface.

Congratulations, you have successfully set up an SFTP server on Ubuntu 23.10!