ssl/ssh/sftp/ftp and all that jazz

[chale]

I need to transfer some files securely [and preferentially encrypted] to a server that is not mine. The server seems to support explicit ssl over ftp which is not done easily on the macintosh [I have tried NetFinder with the openssl plugin which is a pain to use]. It appears there are many nice new ftp clients that support sftp, however I have tried logging on to their server and am unable to connect [I can connect with traditional ftp however]. The people running the server kind of sound puzzled when I ask about ssh/sftp although I only understand a little about this. Is ssh only for unix machines and not routinely employed on the pc end? Anyone have an idea for a secure solution.

Thanks

[Giaguara]

sftp, ftp and ssh all work in terminal.
try them and tell what you get as result.

i'd go also for 'external encrypting' = sending the files encrypted e.g. with GPG or PGP (or e.g. Cypher) with your key and the receivers key.

sorry - had to move the thread to system & misc. software board. but Welcome on board!

[chale]

Thanks,
I am able to connect with FTP [using transit or rbrowser lite]
I am able to connect with SSL over FTP [using NetFinder with SSL plugin]
I am not able to connect with SFTP [using transit or rbrowser lite]
Created ssh tunnel with Fugu [tunnel created without problem followed with FTP [unable to connect]

What do you mean by external encryption?
I just got an email back from the server technician who stated that they are using ftpservu which does not support sftp.

[Giaguara]

http://macgpg.sourceforge.net/ = macgpg. gnu-pg encryption tool that supports normal pgp as well. encrypt the files with that. the other alternative i said - cypher - can be found in versiontracker.com and it's freeware but i think it requires the receiver to use the same program as well (and thusm mac). (=both these are only for encrypting)

how strong encryption do you need? and are you doing only the upload of some website material or something else? = if you upload the files in the encrypted format, someone will be able to decrypt them on the other side (or when downloaded) if they have their private gpg/pgp key..

if it's ('only') website material, you won't need strong encryption. and in some cases there could be some other issues - like you have to be connected with the software or connection of the webserver, or be in the same country they are etc.

[chale]

I need strong encryption. The other side is not using macs [and thus the whole origin of the problem]. Is there a reason why I shouldn't be able to establish a tunnel with ssh and then use a traditional ftp program to transfer. I was told by the authors of Fugu that I could establish a ssh tunnel without having to have the servers on their end do anything [aka- I could just do it on my own]

thanks