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VShell® Server — Secure File Transfer

Standard FTP transmits all data (control information and actual file data) over the network in cleartext. The VShell server SFTP capability avoids FTP security weaknesses by sending all information through a single encrypted and authenticated Secure Shell connection. Building on core SFTP support, the VShell server allows the administrator to exercise fine-tuned control over file transfer permissions and directory access, as well as to automate file transfer tasks with triggers. A broad range of file transfer clients is supported.

Fine-tuned control

VShell Access Control Lists (ACLs) let you define who is granted file transfer privileges at an individual or group level. Virtual SFTP directories restrict access to select directories on the network and are presented to the end user as a "virtual root" directory, regardless of where the actual directories are located.

Triggers automate routine administrative tasks

Busy system administrators have bigger issues to attend to than moving files from one folder to another or manually scanning uploaded files for virus infections. Always on the run, they could also use some way of being notified that someone has exceeded the permitted number of logon attempts — often an early sign of an intrusion attempt. VShell server helps administrators deal with these issues with triggers.

Triggers allow an administrator to initiate file operations like anti-virus scans or moving files from an upload folder to a destination folder. The VShell server provides an extensive set of trigger conditions that allow administrators to script a variety of common tasks.

  • Upload triggers - initiate file operations like anti-virus scans or moving files from an upload folder to a destination folder. The command can invoke an application or call a script or batch file to process the file(s) after they have been successfully uploaded to the VShell server. Variables for file path and user are available to customize the resulting action.
  • Download triggers - initiate an automated action after a file has been downloaded. As an example, a file can be automatically moved or deleted once it has been downloaded, or an e-mail can be sent to notify the administrator that the file has been retrieved.
  • Failed authentication trigger - initiates a command after a user exceeds the permitted number of logon attempts and can be used to send an e-mail or page notification to the administrator. This trigger provides the ability to embed IP address, time, and user information into the message.
  • Other triggers include - File Rename, File Delete, Folder Create, Folder Rename, Folder Delete, Login, and Logout.

Broad client support

VShell supports any SFTP client that adheres to the Secure Shell (SSH2) protocol. VanDyke SFTP clients include:

  • SecureFX - a graphical file transfer client for Windows
  • vcp - a scriptable command-line client bundled with VShell
  • vsftp - an interactive command-line client bundled with VShell
  • sfxcl.exe - a scriptable command-line utility bundled with SecureFX (Windows)
  • Any SSH2 SFTP client application

VShell SCP support allows file transfer capability with minimal granting of system access rights, especially when combined with virtual directories.