This guide explains how to generate SSH keys for an SFTP-based Data-In integration in Loop. SSH keys provide a secure authentication method when transferring data via SFTP.
Generating SSH Keys
To securely access the SFTP server, you need to generate an SSH key pair (public and private keys). The process varies depending on your operating system.
1. Generating SSH Keys on Linux or macOS
Open a terminal.
Run the following command, replacing USERNAME with your username and FILENAME with the desired key file name:
ssh-keygen -m PEM -t rsa -b 4096 -C USERNAME -f FILENAME.pem
Follow the prompts to complete the key creation.
If successful, the system will generate:
A private key (e.g.,
FILENAME.pem) — Keep this secure and do not share it.A public key (e.g.,
FILENAME.pem.pub) — This needs to be sent to the Loop technical team for authentication.
This is how a successful key creation looks like in Ubuntu (Linux)
2. Generating SSH Keys on Windows (Using PuTTYgen)
If you are using Windows, follow these steps using PuTTYgen:
Download PuTTYgen from this link.
Open PuTTYgen and select RSA as the key type under "Parameters."
Click Generate and move your mouse over the blank area until the progress bar fills up.
Move the mouse over the blank area when prompted
(Optional) To add extra security, enter a passphrase in the Key Passphrase field.
Save your private key by clicking Conversions > Export OpenSSH Key, then name your file (e.g.,
my_private_key.pem).Copy your public key from the Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file section.
Sending Your Public Key
After generating your SSH key pair:
Send the public key (
FILENAME.pem.pub) to the Loop technical team for authorization.Once confirmed, you will be able to connect securely to the SFTP server using your private key.
If you experience any issues, ensure your SSH key format is correct or consider switching to S3-based Data-In integration for a more efficient setup.
Final Notes
SFTP requires more manual setup compared to S3 integration. If possible, we strongly recommend using S3 for improved efficiency and security.
If you must use SFTP, follow the steps above to properly configure your SSH authentication and ensure secure data transfers.
If you have any issues, contact your Loop account manager for support.