Overview

This document outlines the steps required by the client to gain access to the andros’s SFTP server. Client usage of the andros SFTP server includes:

Provider Imports
- Files Submission
- Results Files Retrieval
Data Extracts
- Files Retrieval

Audit Files
- Files Retrieval

For more information on our SFTP capabilities see our Provider Import & Data Extract (Automated File Delivery via SFTP) article.

SFTP Setup

Getting Started

The first step is to let your Client Success Manager know that you are interested in setting up your SFTP with us.

Next, you will want to do the following steps:

Generate an SSH key pair on the system or systems that will be accessing andros’s SFTP server. The key pair consists of a private key and a public key.

The instructions to generate your keys vary depending on the system you are using (Mac, Windows, Linux). There are many helpful resources on the internet to help you. Click here for an example of one of them.
See Appendix A

Once you have generated your keys you will have both a private and public key (also referred as a keypair). Send ONLY the public key of the pair to your Client Success Manager. Please protect the private key as you would a password, and never share your private key with andros. Once we have facilitated our internal processes and set-up, we will provide you with your unique username.

Do not move to step 3 until you have received this piece of information.

Open your client application and begin a client session with andros. When the connection is authenticated, you will be logged into the SFTP account. Keep in mind that the public key authentication is used instead of a password to access the SFTP account. You may need to provide the password you used when creating your private key file in order to unlock your private key when you authenticate.

Hostname: csftp.credsimple.com
Port: 22
Username: <provided by your CSM>
Transfer Method: SFTP
Authentication method: KeyFile or Private Key
Key File: the file you generated in step 1

Below are some common client applications that can be used for SFTP with public key authentication:

WinSCP

Introduction to public key authentication: Using Public Keys for Authentication
Session configuration: Configuring Session (Login Dialog)
Private key setup for session:
Login Authentication in WinSCP

FileZilla: How to article or see the Appendix B of this document
Linux Command line: How To Use Linux SFTP
Windows command line/Batch

Using PuTTY as an SFTP Client

4. Open your client application and begin a client session with andros. When the connection is authenticated, you will be logged into the SFTP account. Keep in mind that the public key authentication is used instead of a password to access the SFTP account. You may need to provide the password you used when creating your private key file in order to unlock your private key when you authenticate.

5. As SFTP is a secure protocol, no whitelisting of your IP address is required.

Initial File Testing

Within your account there are a number of sub-folders, one per environment, such as 'staging' and 'production'. 'Staging' is used for initial file transfer testing. Once those tests are complete, the 'production' sub-folders will be used for live file transfers.

As mentioned above the 'staging' environment is used to test your file transfer and ensure a successful load of your roster file. We'd recommend a minimum of 2 rounds of file testing.

Please coordinate with your CSM on any issues encountered. Once you are ready to move to production please begin to use the 'production' sub-folders for ongoing file transfers.

Valid Values and Invalids

You will find that you may have invalid providers that need to have action taken upon. Those providers will be dropped into the production subfolder for review. Note you will need to check the folder for the invalids or have your SFTP pick up those files as they are placed into that folder.

If you have issues, please reach out to your Client Success Manager or through our support channels.

Appendix A: Generating a Public Private Key Pair with PuTTYGen