How to Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server in Real Time

• User Case
• What is the Difference between FTP and SFTP?
• Why Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server?
• How to Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server via AOMEI Backupper
• Bonus Tip: How to Sync Files from One SFTP Server to Another
• Conclusion

User Case

What is the Difference between FTP and SFTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) are used for file transfers, but they differ in security.

FTP operates over two channels and lacks encryption, making it vulnerable to interception. This is unsuitable for sensitive data. In contrast, SFTP uses a single, encrypted channel through SSH, securing all data, including passwords, during transmission. SFTP also offers advanced features like file management and improved error handling.

Therefore, while FTP may be faster for non-sensitive transfers, SFTP is the better choice for securely transferring confidential information.

Why Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server?

Synchronizing files to an SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server ensures secure, encrypted transfer of data over the internet.

This synchronization process protects sensitive information from unauthorized access, making it ideal for businesses handling confidential files. SFTP allows for automated synchronization, ensuring that files are consistently updated without manual intervention. It also supports resume capabilities for interrupted transfers and provides access control through user authentication.

By synchronizing files regularly, organizations can maintain data integrity, backup critical information, and facilitate collaboration across remote teams, all while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

How to Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server via AOMEI Backupper

If you want to easily synchronize local folder with SFTP server without scripts, AOMEI Backupper can do you a favor. It is a professional file backup service that can backup, sync, and restore files and folders between your computer and a local path/shared drive/cloud drive. For the sync function, you can have 4 modes: Basic Sync, Real-Time Sync, Mirror Sync, and Two-Way Sync.

Except for the above sync modes, you can also schedule the sync task to let it auto-start at any time you want. Besides, if you run several sync tasks, you can adjust the operation priority. For example, if you set a task as high priority and others as normal, this task will be executed at a faster speed.

There is an example of how to use Real-Time Sync to synchronize files to an SFTP server.

Step 1. Download and install the AOMEI Backupper app on your computer.

Step 2. Open the app and choose Sync in the left sidebar. Then, select Real-Time Sync.

Step 3. Click + Add Folder and choose the files or folders that you want to sync.

Step 4. Click the lower bar and choose Add Share or NAS Devices.

Step 5. Enter the path of your SFTP server and choose where you want to save the files.

Step 6. Tap the Start Sync button to sync files to SFTP server.

Bonus Tip: How to Sync Files from One SFTP Server to Another

If you have multiple SFTP servers and want to transfer files from one to another, you can consider trying MultCloud. It is a free cloud storage managing service that helps manage and access different clouds in a single website. So far, MultCloud supports 30+ clouds, including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, pCloud, NAS, and the FTP/SFTP servers.

To sync files between SFTP servers, you are going to use the Cloud Sync function. It is a function that provides you with 10 sync modes and lets you feel free to make your own task in terms of your needs. Cloud Sync offers common modes like Normal Sync, Real Time Sync, One-way Sync, and Two-way Sync. As for some more specific demands, it also offers Mirror Sync, Move Sync, Cumulative Sync, Incremental Sync, Update Sync, and Full Backup Sync.

Of course, you can still schedule the cloud sync task at your preferred time. What’s more, if there are some types of files that you do not want to sync, you can filter them with file extension and then they will not be shown in the waiting list.

Step 1. Open the MultCloud website and register for a free account.

Step 2. Add an SFTP server to MultCloud by clicking Add Cloud and the FTP logo. Then, choose SFTP in the second box in the first line and enter the credentials to connect it with MultCloud. Also, add another server with the same operations.

Step 3. Choose Cloud Sync in the left bar and choose source and target servers in the box.

Step 4. Open Options to select a sync mode if you need it. When everything is ready, tap on the Sync Now button to start syncing.

Conclusion

From this post, you can learn how to use AOMEI Backupper to synchronize files to an SFTP server without any script. With this app, you can sync the local files with an SFTP server in real-time. Besides, if you plan to sync files between different SFTP servers, try MultCloud. It is a web-based service so you can create a sync task on any web browser you like. MultCloud also gives multiple sync modes which can be used to customize your task to enhance the work efficiency.