File Transfer with Secure FTP The Princeton Review values the security of all client s information and would like to encourage all FTP file transfers to and from our clients be conducted utilizing a Secure FTP client. Secure FTP is a system that transfers files using the standard Internet File Transfer Protocol, but in a secure manner that relies on secure certificates. It requires the use of a special FTP client, not one that is provided off the shelf with Microsoft Windows. An example free secure FTP client is WinSCP, which is open source, licensed under the GNU GPL (General Public License). For the purpose of this document we will provide instructions for WinSCP, but an internet search for Secure FTP will yield many choices for free Secure FTP systems. Before you begin installation, please contact The Princeton Review Customer support at XXX XXX XXXX and request a Secure FTP User Name and Password. Security Tip: Never use e mail or paper documentation to communicate passwords; pass them on verbally. Install WinSCP Go to http://winscp.net Select the Download link for the latest release. Select Installation Package
The browser will redirect to Sourceforge and the download should begin immediately. If the browser asks for permission to download the file, give permission. Select Run Select Run Select OK
Select Next Select Next Select Typical installation, then Next
Select Norton Commander Interface, then Next Select Install With Launch WinSCP checked, Select Finish
Populate the WinSCP Login window as follows: Host Name: ftp.homeroom.com Port Number: 22 Deselect Allow SCP fallback File Protocol: SFTP Enter the User name and Password provided by Customer Support. Select Login If a warning concerning the host key appears, select Yes
Select Continue Congratulations, you have successfully installed WinSCP. Using WinSCP Once Win SCP is installed, the Secure FTP interface will appear. Transfer files by dragging and dropping from one side of the window to the other. Navigate the local folder structure in this field. Navigate the FTP folder structure in this field. Local Folders FTP Folders
Confidential folder: This folder is only used for Client to The Princeton Review transfers of sensitive information. Once the data is moved to the Confidential folder, it is date stamped, encrypted, and automatically transferred to secure servers for retrieval. General folder: There are no restrictions regarding file transfer to the General folder. Clients and TPR contacts can place or retrieve files as needed into this folder. For added security, all data placed in this folder is automatically deleted after 7 days. Configure Sessions A Session is simply where the Client and FTP folder structures are opened to when WinSCP is started. Configuring Sessions in WinSCP is simple and highly recommended: Avoid re entering all login information every time WinSCP is opened. Each session will open to the exact folder structure you specify when you set up the session. This is a great advantage if you transfer data from and to several different areas within the folder structures. Quick Session Set up In WinSCP, navigate each folder structure so that they are exactly where you want them to be when a session starts. Select Session then Save Session from the main menu. In the pop up window, change the Save Session As field to a specific and relevant name that will guide the user to the correct folder structures in the future. In this example, the session has been named Secure Information Transfers. Select OK. Nothing will change while you are in the current session, continue work as normal. Save as many sessions as you feel are appropriate, giving each one clear and concise names for easy and clear access to different folder structure areas.
Logging in with Sessions Once a session has been saved, you will be given a choice of sessions upon logging in. In the example Login screen below, two sessions choices are offered: General Information Transfers and Secure Information Transfers. Select the session you wish to join, then click Login. Enter your WinSCP password. Win SCP will open to the saved folder structure for that session.