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> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Instructions for Generating and Sharing a Public Key for SFTP Access

## Key Requirements

Your SSH key must meet the following requirements:

* **Key Type:** RSA
* **Key Length:** Minimum 2048 bits (4096 recommended)
* **Private Key Format:** PKCS#1 (RSA)

The private key should begin and end with:

-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----

...

-----END RSA PRIVATE KEY-----

---

# Option 1: Generate Keys on Windows (PuTTYgen)

## Step 1: Open PuTTYgen

Download and launch **PuTTYgen (puttygen.exe)**.

## Step 2: Configure the Key

Select:

* **Key Type:** RSA (SSH-2 RSA)
* **Number of Bits:** 2048

## Step 3: Generate the Key

1. Click **Generate**.
2. Move your mouse randomly within the blank area until key generation completes.

## Step 4: Save the Public Key

1. Copy the text from **"Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file"**.
2. Paste it into Notepad or another text editor.
3. Save the file as:

`metalocator-YYYYMMDD.pub`

## Step 5: Save the Private Key

1. Click **Conversions > Export OpenSSH.**
2. Store the file in a secure location.

## Step 6: Send the Public Key to MetaLocator

Provide only the `.pub` file to the MetaLocator support team via email or your support ticket.

## Important

* Never share your private key.
* Store your private key securely and keep a backup.

---

# Option 2: Generate Keys on Mac or Linux

## Step 1: Open Terminal

**macOS**

Applications → Utilities → Terminal

**Linux**

Open your preferred terminal application.

## Step 2: Generate the Key Pair

Run the following command:

```
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -m PEM -C "your_username" -f metalocator-YYYYMMDD
```

Example:

```
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -m PEM -C "jane.doe@example.com" -f metalocator-20260601
```

## Step 3: Follow the Prompts

1. Press **Enter** to accept the file location.
2. Choose a passphrase:

* Optional but recommended for additional security.
* Press **Enter** to leave it blank.

## Step 4: Locate Your Key Files

After generation, you will have:

| File | Purpose |
| --- | --- |
| metalocator-YYYYMMDD | Private Key |
| metalocator-YYYYMMDD.pub | Public Key |

Example:

* `metalocator-20260601` (private key)
* `metalocator-20260601.pub` (public key)

## Step 5: Send the Public Key to MetaLocator

Send only the `.pub` file to the MetaLocator support team via email or your support ticket.

---

# Verify Your Key (Optional)

## Verify the Public Key

Run:

```
ssh-keygen -lf metalocator-YYYYMMDD.pub
```

## Verify the Private Key Format

Open the private key file in a text editor and confirm it begins and ends with:

```
-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY----- ... -----END RSA PRIVATE KEY-----
```

---

# Using Your Private Key in MetaLocator

When configuring SFTP access in MetaLocator:

1. Open your private key file.
2. Copy the entire contents exactly as shown.
3. Paste the key into the MetaLocator SFTP configuration.

Important:

* Do not edit the key.
* Do not remove line breaks.
* Do not alter the BEGIN or END lines.

---

# Security Best Practices

✅ Share only the public key (`.pub` file)

✅ Store your private key securely

✅ Keep a backup of your private key

❌ Never share your private key with anyone

❌ Do not modify the contents of your key files