The following instructions show how to set up a one-way secure ftp connection from your computer. The process is simple and only takes about 3 minutes!
Actions performed on the Local Host
1. Select the user account you wish to receive the connection then create the ssh key
a. ssh-keygen
b. When prompted, enter a filename such as /home/$USER/.ssh/sftpTransfer
2. Two files will be created in the following locations
a. /home/$USER/.ssh/sftpTransfer
b. /home/$USER/.ssh/sftpTransfer.pub
3. Copy the public key to the recipient account on the remote host who will make the connection
a. /home/$USER/.ssh/sftpTransfer.pub
Actions performed on the Remote Host
Please ensure you have already received the public key from the client machine
4. Create authorized_keys file on remote server. (this server will initiate the connection)
a. mkdir -p /home/$USER/.ssh/authorized_keys
5. Create a backup then copy the contents of the public key to the authorized keys.
a. cp /home/$USER/.ssh/authorized_keys /home/$USER/.ssh/authorized_keys.ORG
b. cat /home/$USER/.ssh/sftpTransfer.pub >> /home/$USER/.ssh/authorized_keys
6. Secure the authorized_keys file
a. chmod 400 /home/$USER/.ssh/authorized_keys
TEST the connection
1. Attempt to establish a connection using the following command
a. sftp -o IdentityFile=/home/$USER/.ssh/sftpTransfer user@remotehostname
b. Once the connection has established you should be able to securely browse folders and directories.