Vault Data Ingress
The 'Make an Inbox' way
A tiCrypt user can create an inbox by creating a new directory or transforming an existing directory into an inbox. Once an inbox is created a URL is generated. This URL can be shared with outside users for the purpose of sending files into a user's vault.
Turning a directory into an inbox
By clicking on the "Make Inbox" icon after the directory is selected, the user can create an inbox. A modal will appear that prompts the user to give basic information about the inbox.
In this example, the directory already existed. One could also create a new directory and turn that into an inbox. Any directory at any point can be converted into a mailbox by right-clicking on it and converting it.
Notice how the directory icon is a folder prior to it being turned into an inbox. After this change it looks like a mailbox.
Access Points
During the make-inbox process, the user will set the following parameters to create an inbox access point. Inboxes can have multiple access points with different parameters for specific outside users. Each access point is a unique way to send files to the inbox with its URL.
- Expiration date: when the URL link should expire
- Capacity: what is the limit of data that can be sent to the inbox for this specific access point
- Message: A message for the recipient of the URL. The message will display on the inbox web page.
Once the access point is created the user will have the option to copy to the URL. This URL needs to be sent to the outside user via a third party such as email. The outside user should paste this URL into the browser and can upload files as seen below.
The files that the outside user uploaded will populate in the tiCrypt inbox.
The inbox for an outside user can also be accessed via command line.
Delete Inbox
Once all access points are deleted from an inbox, the inbox is transformed back to an ordinary directory in the system. Users can delete access points individually or delete the inbox entirely. By clicking "Delete Inbox," all access points are removed. The mailbox icon will turn back into a folder.
All of the features that can be implemented on a file are the same for that of an inbox. An inbox can be tagged by a project to restrict those who can view and or download the files within the inbox.
What is SFTP
SFTP stands for secure file transfer protocol and it is an efficient way to transfer large files over the web. This is necessary if an indivdual who does not have a tiCrypt account needs to transfer large amounts of data into tiCrypt. SFTP is very similar to making a tiCrypt inbox. If you do not know what an inbox is, please reference the vault inbox section in documents.
How to make an SFTP endpoint
When using SFTP, there needs to be an endpoint the same way it is necessary for an inbox. Create a new directory or use an existing one. Select the directory and then select the "Make Inbox" button as seen below.
You will need to specify the expiration date, the capacity, and the username. Once you have done so, you will be given the credentials link.
If the SFTP inbox is not an option, it means you have not setup the SFTP external server under deployment settings in the management tab.
Next, you will need to get this URL to the individual that is transferring data. The following steps are for that individual.
Download an SFTP client
If you do not currently have an SFTP client on your local, please download FileZilla as a Mac user and WinSCP for Microsoft Windows users.
What to do with the credential link
Once given the credential link, paste it into the browser and you will be brought to a page with instructions as seen below.
Open up your SFTP client. In this demo, FileZilla will be utilized.
- The left panel represents your local and the right side represents the remote site that you will be connected to. First, locate the file that you want to tranfer in by expanding the "/" directory on the left side. Most of the time you will be in the "Users" folder.
- Select the "Site Manager" button located at the top left side as seen in the video below.
- Select "New Site" and give it a name.
- In the General tab, change the protocol using the dropdown to SFTP.
- Using the instruction sheet, enter the corresponding information in.
Once you set up this site manager it will always exist (until it expires) within your SFTP client and next time you want to add files you can use the Quickconnect button.
As seen in the video, once you hit connect, it may ask you for your password again. Enter it.
Next, drag and drop files from the left panel into the directory of the vault on the left side as seen above.
That's it! Your files will be in the vault as soon as the queue is empty. You can check to see that the files are in your vault by selecting the directory that you made an SFTP inbox and checking the files inside. The files will be prefaces with the SFTP username.