Private key authentication

SQL Backup Master supports the use of public/private key authentication when an FTP backup destination is configured to use the SFTP protocol.

Getting Started

In order to use private key authentication, first ensure that your FTP server supports SFTP (SSH) public/private key authentication.

Next, use your FTP server software to generate a public/private key pair (if you haven't already). Normally you'll also need to associate the corresponding public key to one or more user accounts. This process is server-specific, so consult your server documentation as needed.

Configuring SQL Backup Master

To configure SQL Backup Master to use public/private key authentication, first add an FTP Server backup destination.

1. Enter your FTP server's host name into the server field.
2. Select SFTP from the protocol drop-down box.
3. Enter the port of your SFTP server (port 22 by default).
4. Select Private Key File from the auth type drop-down box.
5. Enter the username of your FTP server account.
6. If your private key requires a password, enter it into the password field. Otherwise leave this field blank.
7. Enter the path of your private key file into the private key field.
8. Use the Test button to ensure that connections are successful.

Verifying the SFTP server's identity

Private key authentication controls how SQL Backup Master proves your identity to the server. Independently, you can have SQL Backup Master verify the server's identity by trusting its SSH host key fingerprint – protecting against connecting to an impostor server. See the SFTP (SSH) Protocol Options section of the FTP backup destination topic for details.

Supported Private Key Types

The following private key file types are supported.

• PKCS #8
• PuTTY
• OpenSSH
• New OpenSSH