FileZilla is a widely used FTP client that allows users to securely transfer files between their local computer and a remote server. One of the most important security features of FileZilla is its support for SSH keys, which are used to authenticate the connection between the client and the server. In this article, we will explore how to extract an SFTP SSH key from the key cache in FileZilla.
Firstly, let's understand what a key cache is in FileZilla. When a user connects to a server for the first time using SFTP, FileZilla automatically generates a key pair for that server and stores it in a cache. This key pair is then used for all future connections to the same server, making the process more efficient and secure. The key cache is located in the user's AppData folder, under the FileZilla directory.
To extract an SFTP SSH key from the key cache, we need to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open FileZilla and go to the Edit menu, then click on Settings.
Step 2: In the Settings window, click on the SFTP tab located on the left-hand side.
Step 3: On the SFTP tab, click on the Add keyfile button.
Step 4: A new window will open, showing the key cache directory. Here, you can see all the key pairs that FileZilla has generated and stored for various servers.
Step 5: Select the key pair that you want to extract and click on the Open button. This will add the key to the list of keyfiles in FileZilla.
Step 6: Click on the OK button to save the changes and close the Settings window.
Congratulations, you have successfully extracted an SFTP SSH key from the key cache in FileZilla. Now, you can use this key to securely connect to the server without having to generate a new key pair every time.
But why would you need to extract the key from the cache? There are a few scenarios where this could be useful. For instance, if you want to connect to the same server from a different computer, you can simply extract the key from the cache and import it into FileZilla on the new computer. This saves you the trouble of generating a new key pair and transferring it to the new computer.
Another use case could be if you accidentally delete the key pair from FileZilla. In such a situation, you can easily extract the key from the cache and add it back to FileZilla, instead of having to connect to the server and generate a new key pair.
In conclusion, extracting an SFTP SSH key from the key cache in FileZilla is a simple process that can come in handy in certain situations. It not only saves time but also ensures a more secure connection to the server. So, next time you need to transfer files using SFTP, remember to check the key cache in FileZilla for an existing key pair before generating a new one. Happy transferring!
