This guide relates to our legacy Import + Export Module.
While available until March 31, 2024, we encourage you to experience the benefits of our upgraded Import + Export Module. It's designed to streamline your workflow with enhanced capabilities.
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Given the sensitive data admissions offices often work with, having a secure method to transfer files is essential. In this article, we will go over what SFTP and FileZilla are, how to connect to FileZilla, and using Data Connectors in Element451 to complete the set-up.
What are SFTP and FileZilla?
SFTP (or Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a way to transfer your sensitive files over a Secure Shell (or SSH) network, which essentially means that the data is encrypted. Transferring files simply through FTP or other methods can make your data very vulnerable. FileZilla is a free application that facilitates File Transfer Protocols, including SFTP. We recommend using FileZilla for managing your SFTP. If you would like more technical information about SFTP, you can read up on it here. Using a different file application? Here are our tips.
Setting up SFTP
First, install FileZilla by going to https://filezilla-project.org/. Choose the gray box that reads "Download FileZilla Client - All Platforms." Proceed to download based on your operating system.
Run the installer file from your Downloads folder, ignoring messages and declining offers from other softwares, and then open FileZilla.
Click on Site Manager under File. Select the New Site button. A box asking for additional information will appear.
In the Protocol dropdown menu, choose the SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol option. Using the login information provided to you by the customer success team, enter your Username, Password, and Port as 22. Then click connect.
You will see an Unknown Host Key prompt appear. This is normal “Trust on First Use” behavior. Check the box to Always trust this host, add this key to the cache.
After following these steps, you will see a success message appear in the status dialog box and your new directory folder will appear in the Remote Sites partition of FileZilla (middle right-hand frame). This folder is where you will upload your files for secure transfers.
Now go to your Element451 account and follow the steps listed below.
1. Click on Data + Automations
At the top of the tool bar you will see Data+Automation
2. Click on Connectors
Under the "Import/Export" section you will see Connectors
3. Click the blue "+" button in the right corner to add a new Data Connector
Once the new page loads you will see the option to add a new Data Connector.
4. Click on SFTP
Choose SFTP as the type of connector.
Add the Name and input the same Host, Username, and Password that you used to set up the Protocol in FileZilla. You're all set!
Using an RSA Key Pair
While a username and password is the most common way to connect over SFTP, Element451 also supports a RSA key pair. For an Element451 SFTP server connection using an RSA key pair, you can either generate your own key pair and provide us with the public key, or we can generate them and provide you the private key. Then instead of typing in a password, you would copy the text from inside the private key, to the Private Key field.
When generating your own key pair, depending on your operating system, you would use a terminal command like the one below and press enter.
ssh-keygen -t rsa -m pem
You'll be promoted to enter a file name or location. After that you will be prompted twice to enter a passphrase, leave this blank as Element451 does not currently support a passphrase when connecting. Press enter again and your key pair should be generated.
Using other file applications
DMZ File Transfer
Getting a directory connection error when connecting to Element451? Try using the "Blind Download" option to skip directory listing.