Datalink (Classic) Generate encryption keys for DataDrop

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DataDrop is the Apptio Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) server. When using SFTP to DataDrop, you must generate a key pair (private key and corresponding public key) and provide the public key to Apptio for installation on datadrop.apptio.com. This supports authentication to datadrop.apptio.com by Customer SFTP automation. To maintain security, Apptio should not be given the private key.

Create a public/private key pair

DataDrop uses public/private SSH keys for authentication. In this example, we use PuTTYgen to generate and configure a public/private key pair. Click here to view the PuTTYgen documentation. This application is neither endorsed nor supported by Apptio .

  1. Download and install a key generator like the PuTTY Key Generator (PuTTYgen): https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html .
  2. Launch the key generator. Set the following parameters:
    • Type of key to generate - RSA
    • Number of bits in a generated key - 4096
  3. Click Generate .
  4. In the Key comment box, enter a comment that describes the key's use case. It may be helpful to include the string DataDrop in this comment.
  5. In the Key passphrase box, enter a passphrase. It is recommended you use a strong password and keep the passphrase secret. This passphrase should not be shared with Apptio .
  6. In the Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized keys file box, copy the entire text in this box to a text file (scroll to select the entire key). The key begins with ssh-rsa and ends with your comment string. Save and send this text file to your Apptio DataDrop resource (usually CSM or a support case contact).
  7. Click Save public key .
  8. Click Save private key . Do not share the private key or password (this includes not sharing it with Apptio ).
  9. Close the key generator.

Generating keys using iOS, Linux, or Unix

You can initiate a terminal session to generate keys in iOS, Linux, or Unix. Enter the following: 

cd ~/.ssh
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -f <keyname> -C "<comment>"

You will be prompted for a passphrase and confirmation. The following two files are generated:

  • keyname - this is the private key
  • keyname.pub - this is the public key - file to be sent to Apptio
For example: 
~/.ssh$ ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -f testkey -C "testkey1"
Generating public/private rsa key pair.
Enter passphrase (empty for no passphrase):
Enter same passphrase again:
Your identification has been saved in testkey.
Your public key has been saved in testkey.pub.
The key fingerprint is:
SHA256:RtgrTu+WeRn7IrU42YLRRYh3yW0ddI1+kPL4ewP9egw testkey1
The key's randomart image is:
+---[RSA 4096]----+
| . o o oo+o|
| .oo = + =..|
| ..oo . = . |
| . .. . o .|
| o.S. ... |
| o.+. o .E. |
| .o.B = .+.|
| ..X B ..=|
| ..= o. .+.|
+----[SHA256]-----+