Mastering SCP And SSH Linux Commands - ITU Online

Mastering SCP and SSH Linux Commands

SSH Command
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Reddit

In the vast landscape of Linux administration using SCP and SSH commands and understanding secure file transfer and remote connections is crucial. Two commands that play a pivotal role in this domain are SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) and SSH (Secure Shell). In this tutorial, we will delve into these commands, highlighting their usage, differences, and some advanced tips and tricks.

SCP Command

SCP Basics SCP, which stands for Secure Copy Protocol, is a powerful tool for copying files over SSH connections. It facilitates secure file transfer between computers, making it ideal for tasks like data backup or transferring files between remote servers.

How to Use SCP

1. Copy from a (remote) server to your computer

To copy a file from a remote server to your local machine, use the following syntax:

2. Copy from your computer to a (remote) server

Conversely, to copy a file from your local machine to a remote server:

3. Copy from a (remote) server to another (remote) server

When transferring files directly between two remote servers:

Important Note: For this to work, the servers must be able to reach each other directly through SSH.

Specifying a Port with SCP Unlike other commands, SCP specifies the port using the -P option:

This ensures the correct port is used for the SCP connection.

CompTIA Linux+ Training

CompTIA Linux+

Unlock the power of Linux with our comprehensive online course! Learn to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Linux environments using security best practices and automation. Master critical skills for the CompTIA Linux+ certification exam. Your pathway to success starts here!

SSH Command

Understanding SSH SSH, or Secure Shell, is a protocol that enables secure connections between computers. In this section, we’ll focus on the SSH client command in Linux, primarily the OpenSSH version.

Making Simple SSH Connections

To establish a basic SSH connection to a server, use this syntax:

If you omit the username, SSH will assume you want to log in with your current username. It will attempt to use the same username as your local machine.

SSH connects to port 22 by default. Ensure that port 22 is open and forwarded correctly to the server you wish to connect to.

Specifying a Different Username

To specify a different username for the SSH connection, use this format:

You will still be prompted for a password for security reasons. SSH does not allow direct password specification in the command syntax.

Changing the SSH Port

Moving the SSH service to a non-default port can enhance security by avoiding brute-force login attempts. Use this command format to specify a different port:

Replace yourport with the desired port number.

Running a Command on the Remote Server

Sometimes, you may want to connect to a remote server, execute a single command, and then exit. You can achieve this by appending the command to the SSH connection:

Escaping Special Characters

When using certain characters in SSH commands (e.g., exclamation marks), you may encounter issues. To prevent these characters from being interpreted by the local shell, enclose the entire command in single quotes:

Network Administrator

Network Administrator Career Path

This comprehensive training series is designed to provide both new and experienced network administrators with a robust skillset enabling you to manager current and networks of the future.

Differences Between SCP and SSH

Unlike SSH, SCP cannot be used to run a command on a remote server directly. SCP already utilizes SSH’s capabilities to establish secure connections and start the SCP server on the host. While SCP has an -S option to specify a program, it won’t execute commands on the remote host.

Tips & Tricks with SCP and SSH

  • Use asterisks with SCP to copy multiple files or entire directories.
  • Limit SCP bandwidth with the -l option to prevent network congestion.
  • When unsure of the file’s exact location for SCP, SSH into the remote server, navigate to the directory, and use pwd to get the full path.
  • SSH allows for remote command execution, making it versatile for various tasks.

Mastering SCP and SSH commands is invaluable for Linux administrators and anyone working with remote servers. These tools empower secure file transfer and remote server management, enhancing efficiency and security in the Linux environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About SCP and SSH Linux Commands

What is the difference between SCP and SSH?

SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) is a command used to securely copy files over an SSH connection. SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that allows secure connections and remote access to servers. SCP relies on SSH for its secure transfers.

How do I transfer files using SCP between two remote servers?

To transfer files directly between two remote servers using SCP, use the following syntax:

scp yourusername@server1:/path/to/source/file yourusername@server2:/path/to/destination/

Can I change the default port for SSH connections?

Yes, you can change the default SSH port (which is 22) for security reasons. Use the -p option followed by the desired port number when connecting:

ssh -p yourport yourusername@yourserver

How can I securely copy multiple files with SCP?

You can use wildcards with SCP to copy multiple files. For example, to copy all files in a remote directory to your local machine:

scp yourusername@yourserver:/path/to/source/* /path/to/destination/

What should I do if I forget the location of a file on a remote server for SCP?

SSH into the remote server, navigate to the directory where the file is located, and use the pwd command to get the full path. Then, you can use this path with SCP for file transfer:

ssh yourusername@yourserver
cd /path/to/source/
pwd

Copy the output path and use it in your SCP command.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


What's Your IT
Career Path?
All Access Lifetime IT Training

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
2653 Hrs 55 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
13,407 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $699.00.Current price is: $219.00.

Add To Cart
All Access IT Training – 1 Year

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
2651 Hrs 42 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
13,388 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $199.00.Current price is: $79.00.

Add To Cart
All Access Library – Monthly subscription

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
2653 Hrs 55 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
13,407 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $49.99.Current price is: $16.99. / month with a 10-day free trial

You Might Be Interested In These Popular IT Training Career Paths

Entry Level Information Security Specialist Career Path

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
113 Hrs 4 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
513 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $129.00.Current price is: $51.60.

Add To Cart
Network Security Analyst Career Path

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
100 Hrs 16 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
430 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $129.00.Current price is: $51.60.

Add To Cart
Leadership Mastery: The Executive Information Security Manager

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
95 Hrs 34 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
348 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $129.00.Current price is: $51.60.

Add To Cart

today Only: 1-Year For $79.00!

Get 1-year full access to every course, over 2,600 hours of focused IT training, 20,000+ practice questions at an incredible price of only $79.00

Learn CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AI, Project Management & More...