SCP (Secure Copy Protocol)

SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a network protocol that allows for secure file transfer between a local and a remote host, or between two remote hosts. It uses SSH for data transfer, providing the same authentication and security features. Here are some key points about SCP:

Key Features

• Secure Transfer: Encrypts data during transfer, ensuring confidentiality.
• Authentication: Utilizes SSH for secure authentication, including password and public key methods.
• Simplicity: Offers a straightforward command-line interface for copying files.

Basic Usage

The syntax for using SCP is:

bash

scp [options] [source] [destination]

Common Commands

1. Copy a file from local to remote:

   bash
   
   
   scp localfile.txt username@remotehost:/path/to/destination/

2. Copy a file from remote to local:

   bash
   
   
   scp username@remotehost:/path/to/remotefile.txt /local/destination/

3. Copy a directory recursively:

   bash
   
   
   scp -r localdir/ username@remotehost:/path/to/destination/

Options

• -r: Recursively copy entire directories.
• -P port: Specify a different SSH port (the default is 22).
• -i identity_file: Use a specific private key for authentication.

Security

Since SCP relies on SSH, it inherits its strong security features, making it suitable for transferring sensitive data over potentially insecure networks.