OpenSSH - SFTP

SFTP

All SFTP Services use public/private key encryption. By default a private key is generated for your Agency to use. During onboarding you will be supplied with this private key. For added security you may create your own private key and send us the public key. This method is considered more secure because you are the only one who has access to the private key. if you choose to do this, let your onboarding manager know or send an email to [email protected] with the subject "Use my own private key". Our team will guide you through the next steps.

Here is one method to create a private key on a Windows computer. No special software is needed.

1. Open a command prompt
2. Type ssh-keygen
3. The program will prompt you for a file name. Type something unique. By default the system will save this in your user profile, but you can specify a full path too.
4. You will be prompted for a password. This is optional. For simplicity leave this blank. The key is essentially your password. Do not share it with anyone. The password is an additional layer to encrypt the key itself.
5. Confirm the password (or press enter if blank)
6. Two files will be created. One is the private key (keep this safe) and one is the public key. The public key will be be shared with Concepts2Code so that we can add it to your account.

Here is an example:

ed25519

If you choose to use another encryption (in this case ed25519), you may change the initial command to ssh-keygen -t ed255519

Common Errors "Server refused our key"

If you get this error, double check that your username and key are correct. This is the most likely reason.

Common Errors "Permission denied (publickey)"

If you get this error, double check that your username is correct. This is the most likely reason.

References:

• Good article on installing Windows Clients for SSH.
  https://www.purdue.edu/science/scienceit/ssh-keys-windows.html