AWS Transfer Family is a fully managed service that enables secure file transfers into and out of AWS storage services. It supports three standard protocols: SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL), and FTP (File Transfer Protocol), allowing organizations to mig…AWS Transfer Family is a fully managed service that enables secure file transfers into and out of AWS storage services. It supports three standard protocols: SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL), and FTP (File Transfer Protocol), allowing organizations to migrate file transfer workflows to AWS while maintaining existing client-side configurations.
Key components and features include:
**Protocol Support**: AWS Transfer Family supports multiple protocols, enabling seamless integration with existing file transfer infrastructure. Clients can continue using their current tools and applications.
**Storage Integration**: The service integrates natively with Amazon S3 and Amazon EFS, allowing transferred files to be stored in highly durable and scalable AWS storage. This facilitates data processing, analytics, and archival workflows.
**Identity Management**: Transfer Family supports multiple identity providers including AWS Directory Service, custom identity providers via API Gateway and Lambda, or service-managed users. This flexibility allows organizations to maintain existing authentication mechanisms.
**Security Features**: The service provides encryption in transit and at rest, VPC endpoint support for private connectivity, and integration with AWS Key Management Service (KMS) for encryption key management. Security groups and network ACLs can control access.
**Migration Benefits**: For workload migration, Transfer Family eliminates the need to manage file transfer server infrastructure. Organizations can lift-and-shift existing SFTP-based workflows, reducing operational overhead while gaining AWS scalability and reliability.
**Modernization Path**: Beyond simple migration, Transfer Family enables modernization by connecting traditional file-based workflows to cloud-native services. Files uploaded to S3 can trigger Lambda functions, initiate Step Functions workflows, or feed into analytics pipelines.
**High Availability**: The service automatically scales to handle varying workloads and provides built-in redundancy across multiple Availability Zones, ensuring reliable file transfer operations.
For Solutions Architects, Transfer Family represents a strategic service for accelerating migration projects involving legacy file transfer systems while providing a foundation for future modernization initiatives.
AWS Transfer Family - Complete Guide
Why AWS Transfer Family is Important
AWS Transfer Family is critical for organizations migrating legacy file transfer workflows to the cloud. Many enterprises have established business processes built around traditional file transfer protocols like SFTP, FTPS, and FTP. AWS Transfer Family allows these organizations to maintain their existing client-side configurations while leveraging the scalability, durability, and security of AWS storage services.
What is AWS Transfer Family?
AWS Transfer Family is a fully managed service that enables secure file transfers into and out of AWS storage services. It supports three protocols:
• SFTP (Secure Shell File Transfer Protocol) - File transfer over SSH • FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL) - File transfer over TLS • FTP (File Transfer Protocol) - Unencrypted file transfer (only within VPC) • AS2 (Applicability Statement 2) - For B2B transactions with EDI data
1. Server Creation: You create a Transfer Family server and select the protocol(s) to enable
2. Endpoint Configuration: Choose between public endpoints, VPC endpoints, or VPC with internet-facing access
3. Identity Provider Setup: Configure authentication using: - Service-managed identities (stored in Transfer Family) - AWS Directory Service - Custom identity providers via API Gateway and Lambda
4. User Access: Map users to IAM roles that define their permissions to S3 buckets or EFS file systems
5. File Transfer: Users connect using their standard SFTP/FTPS/FTP clients and transfer files that are stored in the configured AWS storage
Key Features
• Logical Directories: Create virtual directory structures that map to different S3 buckets or prefixes • Managed Workflows: Automate post-upload processing with copy, tag, and delete steps plus custom Lambda functions • Custom Hostnames: Use your own domain with Route 53 alias records • VPC Security Groups: Control network access when using VPC endpoints • CloudWatch Integration: Monitor file transfers and server activity • Elastic IP Support: Attach static IPs for firewall whitelisting
Security Considerations
• FTP protocol is only available for VPC-hosted endpoints due to its unencrypted nature • SFTP and FTPS provide encrypted data transfer • IAM roles control what users can access in S3 or EFS • Session policies can further restrict user permissions • PGP decryption is available through managed workflows
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on AWS Transfer Family
1. Protocol Selection: When a question mentions legacy SFTP workflows or existing file transfer clients, AWS Transfer Family is likely the answer
2. FTP Restriction: Remember that FTP is restricted to VPC endpoints only - if a question mentions public FTP access, Transfer Family cannot provide this
3. Storage Backend: Know that Transfer Family supports both S3 and EFS - choose based on whether the scenario needs object storage or file system semantics
4. Identity Providers: For scenarios requiring integration with existing user directories or complex authentication logic, think custom identity provider with Lambda
5. Migration Scenarios: Questions about moving on-premises SFTP servers to AWS with minimal client changes point to Transfer Family
6. Static IPs: When firewall whitelisting is mentioned, remember that VPC endpoints with Elastic IPs provide static addresses
7. Post-Processing: Managed Workflows handle automated file processing after upload - look for scenarios involving file transformation or validation
8. Cost Awareness: Transfer Family charges per protocol enabled and per hour - this may be relevant in cost optimization questions
9. B2B Integration: AS2 protocol is specifically for EDI and B2B data exchange scenarios
10. Compliance: Transfer Family is compliant with HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and other standards - relevant for regulated industry scenarios