Resonate provides a secure and efficient method for clients to upload data using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP). SFTP is a secure version of the traditional File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which leverages the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol to ensure encrypted data transmission. This ensures that sensitive data, such as audience segments, analytical files, or other datasets, can be securely transferred without exposure to unauthorized access.

To protect data integrity and security, Resonate uses SSH key-based authentication for its SFTP service instead of traditional password-based logins. SSH keys provide a highly secure method for accessing the data upload service by using a cryptographic pair consisting of a public key and a private key. The public key is stored on Resonate’s server, while the private key remains securely stored with the client, ensuring only authorized parties can access the SFTP service.

To setup the SFTP service, Resonate will request an SSH public key during the user creation process. This public key will be added to the designated user account, enabling secure, key-based authentication. The use of SSH keys enhances security by eliminating the need for password sharing while ensuring that only authorized systems can initiate a connection.

The following sections outline how to generate SSH keys using PuTTYgen on Windows and ssh-keygen on Mac/Linux to prepare for seamless integration with Resonate’s SFTP service.

What to provide to Resonate

Please provide the following information to Resonate. Once the information is received and Resonate has added all the permissions, you will receive confirmation, and you can begin securely uploading your data using SFTP (instuctions on how to upload your files is provided below).

1. Company name
2. SSH Public Key (instructions on how to create and delivery are outlined below)

Generating SSH Keys for AWS Transfer

The following section outlines how to generate RSA SSH keys with a length of 4096 bits and no passphrase using PuTTYgen on Windows and ssh-keygen on Mac and Linux. These keys will be used for accessing AWS Transfer.

Windows (Using PuTTYgen)

Video Tutorial: 

1. Download and Install PuTTYgen:

• Download PuTTY from PuTTY Download Page
• Launch puttygen.exe after installation (typically will be found in your Downloads folder)

2. Generate an RSA Key Pair:

• In PuTTYgen, set the following parameters:
  • Type of key to generate: RSA
  • Number of bits in a generated key: 4096
• Click Generate and move your mouse around the blank area to generate randomness.
• Once completed, a new key will be generated.

3. Save the Key Pair:

• Do not set a passphrase (since keys must be used without passphrases for AWS Transfer).
• Click Save private key and store the .ppk file securely.
• Click Save public key and store the .pub file.

4. Export OpenSSH Public Key (for AWS Transfer Use):

• Go to Conversions > Export OpenSSH key.
• Save the exported key file with the .pub extension.

Mac and Linux (Using ssh-keygen)

Video Tutorial: 

1. Open the Terminal

• Open a terminal window on your Mac or Linux machine.
  • To find Terminal on your computer, press the following keys Command + Space, type "Terminal", and select it

2. Generate the SSH Key pair

• Copy the text below
• ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "AWS Transfer Key" -N "" -f ~/desktop/aws_transfer_key
• Paste into your Terminal
• Press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard (keep your terminal open)
• Below you will find each of the parameters within the code above
  • -t rsa: Specifies RSA as the key type.
  • -b 4096: Specifies a 4096-bit key size.
  • -C "AWS Transfer Key": Adds a comment to the key for identification.
  • -N "": No passphrase for AWS Transfer compatibility.
  • -f ~/.ssh/aws_transfer_key: Specifies the output file path. You can change anything after ‘-f’ to specify a specific path you want the files put in. ex: -f C:\Users\firstname.lastname\Documents

3. Verify Key Files have been put in the correct location:

• Confirm that in the location you specified in the step above, you see the following two files:
  • Private key: ~/desktop/aws_transfer_key
  • Public key: ~/desktop/aws_transfer_key.pub

4. Secure the Private Key:

• This step ensures that your user is the only one to use the keys and can modify them
• Copy the text below
• chmod 600 ~/desktop/aws_transfer_key chmod 644 ~/desktop/aws_transfer_key.pub
• Paste into Terminal
• Press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard

Providing your SSH Public Key to Resonate

Once you have generated your SSH key pair, you will need to provide the public key to Resonate for use in our secure data upload service. Please ensure you provide only the public key file (e.g., aws_transfer_key.pub) and never share your private key.

To submit your public key:

1. Verify that you are providing the .pub file (public key) and not the private key.
2. Send the public key file as an attachment to the Resonate team member you are currently working with for onboarding.
3. If you have any questions or need assistance during this process, please reach out to your Resonate point of contact for further guidance.

The Resonate team will securely register your public key for your user account, enabling access to the data upload service. Once your key has been added, you will receive confirmation, and you can begin securely uploading your data using SFTP.

Thank you for following these security best practices while working with Resonate.

Accessing Resonate SFTP via FileZilla Client

Setting Up FileZilla for Secure File Transfer (Mac & Windows)

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring FileZilla to connect to Resonate's SFTP server using an SSH private key.

Prerequisites

1. FileZilla Client installed (available from FileZilla's website).
2. An SSH private key created during the previous steps process with Resonate.
3. Server connection details provided by Resonate.
   • server address
   • username

Installing FileZilla on Windows

1. Download the FileZilla Client from the official website.
2. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
3. Launch FileZilla from the Start menu.

Installing FileZilla on Mac

1. Download the FileZilla Client from the official website.
2. Open the downloaded .dmg file and drag the FileZilla icon into the Applications folder.
3. Launch FileZilla from your Applications folder.

Configuring FileZilla for SFTP Connection

1. Open FileZilla.

2. Go to File > Site Manager.

3. Click New Site and name it (e.g., Resonate SFTP).

4. In the Protocol dropdown, select SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol.

5. Enter the Host sftp.resonate.com

6. Set the Port to 22.

7. For Logon Type, select Key File.

8. Enter the User (provided by Resonate).

9. Click Browse next to Key File and select your private key (.ppk) file used during the on boarding process with Resonate.

Connecting to the Server

1. Click Connect.
2. If prompted, accept the server's host key.
3. You should now be connected to Resonate's SFTP server and able to transfer files securely.

Moving Files into Resonate’s Folder

1. Once connected, you will see a similar layout to what you see below. Your local files will differ as will your Resonate file browser based on what data you have in your account already.

2. When moving your files make sure you are all the way down to the folder that has numbers at the end to ensure your data will be processed (your numbers will differ, they are 5 digits)

3. To move files from Resonate or local directories by selecting them in the “Resonate/ Local Files” panels and dragging them to the appropriate file browser for where you want them to be. In the case above, to move data from your folder to Resonate’s, you would drag from the left panel (your local machine) to the right panel (Resonate’s folder)

4. Once you’ve moved your files, Resonate will start processing and your insights will be available in the Segmentation Center in 2-3 days.