How to Use SCP Command to Securely Transfer Files
SCP(Secure Copy Protocol) is a command-line utility that allows you to secure file transfers between computers over a network. When transferring files with SCP, it utilizes SSH(Secure Shell) for encryption, making sure your files are confidentiality and integrity, protecting your data from unauthorized access. In this article, you will learn how to use the SCP command to securely transfer files in Linux, from basic syntax to practical examples.
Basic Syntax of the SCP Command
Knowing more about this basic syntax and its components will empower you to use the SCP command effectively for secure file transfers. The basic syntax of the SCP command is structured as follows:
scp [options] [[user@]src_host:]file1 [[user@]dest_host:]file2
Breakdown of the command structure:
scp: This is the command initializer that ensures a secure shell is available for the transfer.
[options]: These modify the behavior for the SCP command.
[[user@]src_host:]file1: This indicates the source file or directory. The user@ prefix is optional and specifies the username on the source computer, while src_host refers to the hostname or IP address of that computer.
[[user@]dest_host:]file2: This denotes the destination where the file will be copied. Similar to the source, you can specify a username and host.
Explanation for each component:
Options:
- -r: This option allows you to copy directories recursively. When transferring entire folders rather than individual files.
- -C: Enables compression, which can speed up file transfers. Especially over slower connections. This is used for large files or directories.
- -P: Specify a custom port for the connection(default is 22)
- -q: Quiet mode, which suppresses progress output.
Source and destination formats:
- The source and destination can either be local paths or remote paths formatted as username@host:/path/to/file.
- If no user is specified, SCP defaults to the current user on both the source and destination hosts.
Simple example of using the SCP command:
To copy a local file to a remote server:
scp /path/to/local/file.txt username@hostname:/path/to/remote/directory/
To copy a directory recursively to a remote server:
scp -r /path/to/local/directory username@hostname:/path/to/remote/directory/
How to Transfer File Using SCP Command
To transfer files using the SCP(Secure Copy Protocol) command, you can follow the next straightforward methods, which cater to different scenarios such as copying files from a local machine to a remote computer or between two remote computers.
Transfer a file from the local to a remote server
Before you start copying a file from your local computer to a remote server using the SCP command, determine the path of the file you want to transfer. Like the file named example.txt located on your desktop, the IP address(e.g.,192.168.1.244) of the remote server, and the destination path where you want to copy the file.
Here’s how the SCP command would look:
scp /path/to/local/example.txt username@192.168.1.244:/remote/directory/
If your file is on your desktop and you want to copy it to a folder named myfile in your home directory on the remote server, the command would be:
scp ~/Desktop/example.txt username@192.168.1.10:~myfile/
After executing the command, you will be prompted to enter the password for the specified user on the remote server. Type in your password and press Enter.
Once the transfer is complete, you should see a progress indicator showing that the file has been successfully copied:
example.txt 100% 0 0.0KB/s 00:00
You can also include options in your SCP command:
scp -r -P 2222 ~/Desktop/example.txt username@192.168.1.244:~/myfile/
Transfer a file from the remote to the local server
If you want to securely transfer a file from remote to your local machine using the SCP command effectively, you can follow this straightforward syntax:
Basic Syntax:
scp [options] username@remote_host:/path/to/remote_file/path=to/local_destination/
Suppose you have a file name example.txt on a remote server with the IP address 192.168.1.244 and you want to copy it to your local machine directory. The command would be like this:
scp user@192.168.1.244:/home/user/example.txt /local/directory/
If you want to enable compression and specify a custom port(e.g., 2222), the command would be like:
scp -c -p 2222 user@192.168.1.244:/home/user/example.txt /local/directory/
Transfer Files from Remote to Remote
Using the SCP command to transfer a file from one remote server to another directly, you do not need to download them to your local desktop first. Follow these steps to move files between two remote systems:
The basic syntax is as follows:
scp [options] [source_username@source_IP]:/path/to/source_file [destination_username@destination_IP]:/path/to/destination_directory/
If you want to copy a file named example.txt from a remote server with the IP address 192.168.1.244 to another remote server with the IP address 192.168.1.20. The command would be like this:
scp user1@192.168.1.244:/home/user1/document.txt user2@192.168.1.20:/home/user2/
You can also include options in your SCP command:
scp -r -P 2222 user1@192.168.1.211:/home/user1/document.txt user2@192.168.1.20:/home/user2/
When executing the command, you will be prompted for the passwords for both remote servers(if required). Enter the appropriate password for each server when prompted.
How to Secure Transfer Files Between Two Computers in Windows
To securely transfer files between two computers in Windows, our effective solution is AirDroid Remote Support. This tool not only facilitates file transfers but also offers comprehensive remote access and support features, it features with simplifies the process and provides quick access to files without the need for complicated setups.
Real-time file transfer: During remote session, you can send error log file, file folders directly to the remote Windows device. This is useful for IT support teams who need to deliver immediate assistance.
Privacy-centric features: This remote support software also includes a Black Screen Mode, which hides the screen of the target device during remote sessions, ensuring privacy and security while files are being transferred.
Cross-platform support: AirDroid Remote Support works seamlessly across different OS, it is for efficient management of Widows device regardless of their platform.
Step 1. Create a free account for AirDroid Remote Support, and start to transfer files between two computers over a network.
Step 2. Use the 9-digit connection code provided by AirDroid to connect to the remote Window device.
Step 3. During your remote session, utilize the file transfer feature to send or receive files as needed.
With AirDroid Remote Support, you can ensure efficient and secure file transfers between two computers in a Windows environment to enhance your productivity while maintaining data security.
Conclusion
The SCP command enables you to transfer files and directories between Linux systems; follow this step-by step guide and example of how to transfer files with the SCP command. For users needing secure file transfer in Windows, AirDroid Remote Support offers a fast, reliable way to transfer files between two Windows computers. By following the SCP command or AirDroid, you can secure file transfers across various environments.
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