Create an SFTP Connection with a Private Key

This article shows how to configure SFTP private-key authentication, supply the key and optional passphrase securely, test the exact root, and avoid placing private-key material in frontend content.

What you need to know

  • My Private Storage requires Max/All Access and supports user-owned FTP, SFTP, Google Drive, and OneDrive connections. Local storage remains administrator-created only.
  • Private connection ownership is enforced server-side. Private connections cannot be inserted into administrator shared Workspaces even if request/database values are manipulated.

How to do it

  1. Create or edit an SFTP connection and set Authentication to Private key.
  2. Enter host, port, username, and exact root.
  3. Paste the private key into Private key. Enter the Private-key passphrase only when the key is encrypted with one.
  4. Click Test Connection and verify the server host key/fingerprint. Do not accept an unexpected changed fingerprint without verifying the server independently.
  5. Save the connection. When editing later, leaving a secret field blank keeps the saved secret rather than exposing it back to the browser.

Verify the result

  • Test Connection succeeds.
  • The displayed/usable root is exactly the intended root and no parent folder is reachable.
  • A normal authorized user can perform only the operations intended for that connection/Workspace role.

Important limits and mistakes to avoid

  • Never broaden a connection root merely to work around a permission or provider error; fix the actual root/credential/hosting problem.
  • Do not copy administrator or another user’s provider credentials into a private connection as a shortcut; private connections are intentionally isolated.

Troubleshooting

  • If the provider is unreachable, test the connection in Administrator before troubleshooting the Workspace UI.
  • Keep passwords, OAuth secrets/tokens, private keys, and unrestricted private paths out of public screenshots and support posts.

Community Discussion

For practical QCSB workflows and discussion with other Joomla site owners, visit the QC Storage Bridge Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific entitlement issues, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.