Secure File Transfer in System Administration

Secure Shell can be used for secure system administration, as shown in Figure 3. Instead of cleartext Telnet, many administrators prefer using a Secure Shell client like SecureCRT® for remote logon or command-shell access. Secure Shell daemons like OpenSSH are usually present on UNIX servers and increasingly found on network devices like routers, switches, and firewalls. Secure administration of Windows NT and 2000 platforms is also made possible with VanDyke Software's VShell®.

Many administration tasks are interactive, but a complete solution also requires secure file transfer. System administrators must transfer software, configuration files, user account data, and usage records. FTP over Secure Shell protects the root password - essential for after-hours remote administration over the public Internet. SFTP goes a step further by protecting valuable and sensitive file content. For example, transferring account records over SFTP prevents unauthorized disclosure of credit card numbers, permissions, and passwords. Furthermore, doing so proves that you've taken steps to ensure privacy, potentially limiting liability.

Figure 3: Secure System Administration