SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure method for transferring files between your computer and your web hosting server. Unlike regular FTP, SFTP encrypts both commands and data, protecting your information from interception.

To use SFTP, you'll need:

• SFTP client software like FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck
• Your hosting account credentials (username and password)
• Server address (usually your domain name or a specific host provided by your hosting company)
• Port number (typically 22 for SFTP)

Follow these steps to connect:

1. Open your SFTP client and create a new connection
2. Enter your server address in the "Host" field
3. Enter 22 in the "Port" field
4. Enter your username and password
5. Click "Connect" or "Quickconnect"

Once connected, you'll see two panels: your local files on the left and server files on the right. You can drag and drop files between these panels or use the upload/download buttons. Always ensure you're placing files in the correct directory on your server - usually the public_html or www folder for web-accessible files.

For enhanced security, many hosting providers recommend using SSH keys instead of passwords. Contact your hosting support for specific SFTP settings, as configurations can vary between providers.