How to setup a PC so files on it can be accessed securely?


TheMystic

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I have a few folders on my PC that have sharing enabled. I have created a dedicated user on the PC who has read/ write permissions to these folders.

When on local network, I can access these folders from my other devices over SMB. I use the login credentials of the user created just for this purpose. That way I don't have to give away my Microsoft account credentials to 3rd party apps that I use to connect to these folders from other devices.

But when not in LAN, there is no way to access them with the existing setup.

What is the best way to setup secure file access on a PC over the internet?

Thanks.

.
 
Windows Build/Version
Windows 11 21H2 Build 22000.282
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Disconnect from the network, lock all the doors and windows - use a USB Pendrive or external HDD to do the transfer - that is the old fashioned way that some of us started to transfer files in a secure environment

But these days, simply connect the devices with ethernet and disconnect the PCs from the net and you should be safe enough
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
Disconnect from the network, lock all the doors and windows - use a USB Pendrive or external HDD to do the transfer - that is the old fashioned way that some of us started to transfer files in a secure environment

But these days, simply connect the devices with ethernet and disconnect the PCs from the net and you should be safe enough
Does that mean that a secure way of accessing files over internet is not possible?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
There are ways, a pro level VPN from a trusted supplier that will set up a "tunnel" for the data that will be safe against most attacks.

to be honest unless the data is highly secret, business / financial data, the normal data protection of an antimalware suite (AV. Firewall, malware checker) should be safe from all but the high level thieves who would not likely be interested is a private users data.

As I still deal with clients data I have a hardware, and software VPN, and I often use a passworded Zip for transfer
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
There are ways, a pro level VPN from a trusted supplier that will set up a "tunnel" for the data that will be safe against most attacks.

to be honest unless the data is highly secret, business / financial data, the normal data protection of an antimalware suite (AV. Firewall, malware checker) should be safe from all but the high level thieves who would not likely be interested is a private users data.

As I still deal with clients data I have a hardware, and software VPN, and I often use a passworded Zip for transfer
The files and folders don't contain highly secret data, and so I am not looking for a very secure solution either that involves investing in hardware or a subscription service.

I just want to be able to setup and access them in the most secure way that is available natively within Windows or by use of a well known free software.

Also, this is not just for transferring files. It could also be for media streaming.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
There are free software VPNs that will protect against most threats that a home user will face
combined with something like the Free Bitdefender should be sufficient for your needs
I tend not to use free security applications as I still get the occasional audit for the odd client, but there are some good ones out there
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
There are free software VPNs that will protect against most threats that a home user will face
combined with something like the Free Bitdefender should be sufficient for your needs
I tend not to use free security applications as I still get the occasional audit for the odd client, but there are some good ones out there
What about SFTP?

Doesn't Windows offer a built-in way to setup an SFTP server on the system to enable file access securely? Isn't that good enough for normal use (where files aren't too private and confidential)?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I'm not sure about sFTP natively in Windows on desktop, not done anything with it since the 1990s and then only on NT servers

There may be 3rd party solutions if it's not tucked away somewhere in more Modern Windows,
Also I'm unsure on how it would stand up to modern attack vectors as it is a very old protocol

EDIT
I have found an possible option for windows 10 from SolarWinds, A developer I have heard of - no idea of it will work on windows 11

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release Preview] [Win11 PRO HighEnd MUP-00005 DD]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Scan 3XS to my design
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 9 7950X OEM
    Motherboard
    *3XS*ASUS TUF B650 PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    64GB [2x32GB Corsair Vengeance 560 AMD DDR5]
    Graphics Card(s)
    3XS* ASUS DUAL RTX 4060 OC 8G
    Sound Card
    On motherboard Feeding SPDiF 5.1 system [plus local sound to each monitor]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160
    Hard Drives
    3XS Samsung 980Pro 2TB M.2 PCIe4 4 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 8TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    3XS Corsair RM850x 850w Fully Modular
    Case
    FDesign Define 7 XL BK TGL Case - Black
    Cooling
    3XS iCUE H150i ELITE Liquid Cool, Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Wireless Logitec MX Keys + K830 [Depending on where I'm Sat]
    Mouse
    Wireless Logitec - MX Master 3S +
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security [Latest]
    Other Info
    Also run...
    Dell XPS 17 Laptop
    HP Laptop 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64 HP 15.2"
    Nexus 7 Android tablet [x2]
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview 10.2 Tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Samsung S9 Plus Smartphone
    Wacom Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom ExpressKey Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest release]
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 17 9700
    CPU
    i7 10750H
    Motherboard
    Stock
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Stock Intel + GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    Stock 4 speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Stock 17" + 32" 4K 3840 x 2160 HDR-10
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400 HDR touchscreen
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock Aluminium / Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock + 2 fan cooling pad
    Mouse
    Stock Trackpad +Logi Mx Master 3 or MX Ergo Trackball
    Keyboard
    Stock Illuminated + Logi - MX Keys
    Internet Speed
    950 MB Down 55 MB Up
    Browser
    Latest Chrome
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security 2021
    Other Info
    Also use an Adjustable Support for Laptop and Adjustable stand for monitor
What about SFTP?

Doesn't Windows offer a built-in way to setup an SFTP server on the system to enable file access securely? Isn't that good enough for normal use (where files aren't too private and confidential)?
You are making this much much harder than it needs to be. Depending on your router, your router probably has an SSH server built in, but not turned on. If it does, locate its settings page, turn it on and follow its instructions (it should have you download keys and a profile to use on other devices). Then you ssh in and browse the network like normal.

If you open port 22 for sftp, or 21 for ftp, or 80 for http or 443 for https, you're gonna get a lot of unwanted traffic for that pc to drop. it'll drop it but your pc will waste resources saying no to everyone in the world besides you (you know, the hackes scanning, the script kiddies playing, etc).

When you SSH in, your device will get a local ip, just like if you were at home, inside the network, on the LAN.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
    Sound Card
    Realtek S1200A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
    Cooling
    Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Standard Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech M535
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit (Cable)
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
I'm not sure about sFTP natively in Windows on desktop, not done anything with it since the 1990s and then only on NT servers

There may be 3rd party solutions if it's not tucked away somewhere in more Modern Windows,
Also I'm unsure on how it would stand up to modern attack vectors as it is a very old protocol

EDIT
I have found an possible option for windows 10 from SolarWinds, A developer I have heard of - no idea of it will work on windows 11

I found an extremely simple solution.

Windows comes with a built-in OpenSSH server that has to be installed from the 'Add optional features' option. Once installed, I had to set the Service to start automatically, and set (or restrict) the root directory using ChrootDirectory in the config file and also enter the user who would be allowed to access the system. This limits user access to just the folder you want.

Just wanted to add that I didn't have to create a firewall rule to open port 22. By default, my Firewall is set to BLOCK all connections. I guess the SSH service when enabled automatically creates the necessary rules in firewall to allow SFTP access.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
You are making this much much harder than it needs to be. Depending on your router, your router probably has an SSH server built in, but not turned on. If it does, locate its settings page, turn it on and follow its instructions (it should have you download keys and a profile to use on other devices). Then you ssh in and browse the network like normal.

If you open port 22 for sftp, or 21 for ftp, or 80 for http or 443 for https, you're gonna get a lot of unwanted traffic for that pc to drop. it'll drop it but your pc will waste resources saying no to everyone in the world besides you (you know, the hackes scanning, the script kiddies playing, etc).

When you SSH in, your device will get a local ip, just like if you were at home, inside the network, on the LAN.
I'm not too well versed with opening port in the router because of the security risks associated with it.

I don't want to 'SSH', but just use SFTP file access. So I added a couple of lines to the config file:

20211117_203053__01.png

This limits access only via SFTP and disables command line access.

While my usage is primarily from within the LAN, it would be nice to have access over the internet too.

Will opening the port on the router not increase the risks?
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I'm not too well versed with opening port in the router because of the security risks associated with it.

I don't want to 'SSH', but just use SFTP file access. So I added a couple of lines to the config file:

View attachment 13883

This limits access only via SFTP and disables command line access.

While my usage is primarily from within the LAN, it would be nice to have access over the internet too.

Will opening the port on the router not increase the risks?
Er, meant VPN on router, sorry, was tired from work and chemotherapy makes my brain mush.

VPN on the router. No port to open to your pc. Your router listens. if the right client >>with the right keys<< connects then you get access to your lan.

With it on your pc, you need to open a port (22) to point to your pc to allow it thru the router. If you go that route, i hope you have a very very strong password, like 15 characters with lots of symbols and random letters and numbers.

On VPN on the router, it generates a key (certificate) that the client must have to connect.

The pic is my router, and showing how easy it is (it guides you)
 

Attachments

  • routervpn.jpg
    routervpn.jpg
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
    Sound Card
    Realtek S1200A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
    Cooling
    Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Standard Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech M535
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit (Cable)
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
Er, meant VPN on router, sorry, was tired from work and chemotherapy makes my brain mush.

VPN on the router. No port to open to your pc. Your router listens. if the right client >>with the right keys<< connects then you get access to your lan.

With it on your pc, you need to open a port (22) to point to your pc to allow it thru the router. If you go that route, i hope you have a very very strong password, like 15 characters with lots of symbols and random letters and numbers.

On VPN on the router, it generates a key (certificate) that the client must have to connect.

The pic is my router, and showing how easy it is (it guides you)
Get well soon! All the best!

I don't have VPN or SSH Server feature on my router.

20211117_211840.png

My question is: if I get a router with those features, will opening the port 22 to point to my PC add any risk to my files or system? Also, will it be too taxing on the router for the same reasons you mentioned before?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Get well soon! All the best!

I don't have VPN or SSH Server feature on my router.

View attachment 13887

My question is: if I get a router with those features, will opening the port 22 to point to my PC add any risk to my files or system? Also, will it be too taxing on the router for the same reasons you mentioned before?
TY for the well wishes. Radiation done, and more chemo before surgery :)

What does it have under "virtual server"? Some routers hide vpn in there. If you got a router with vpn (if yours doesnt have it) you wouldnt open any ports. The router listens and if you connect by vpn, it essentially thinks you are hooked to the router on its wifi.

On your current router, you would use port triggering to forward port 22 to your pc (if you dont have vpn on router)

The risk forwarding 22 is minimal as long as you have a very strong password. That password is the key to the kingdom :)

Wouldnt be any more taxing on the router, its designed to route things :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
    Sound Card
    Realtek S1200A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
    Cooling
    Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Standard Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech M535
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit (Cable)
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
TY for the well wishes. Radiation done, and more chemo before surgery :)

What does it have under "virtual server"? Some routers hide vpn in there. If you got a router with vpn (if yours doesnt have it) you wouldnt open any ports. The router listens and if you connect by vpn, it essentially thinks you are hooked to the router on its wifi.

On your current router, you would use port triggering to forward port 22 to your pc (if you dont have vpn on router)

The risk forwarding 22 is minimal as long as you have a very strong password. That password is the key to the kingdom :)

Wouldnt be any more taxing on the router, its designed to route things :)
Take care!

I do have SSH server. Thanks.

20211117_213849.png

20211117_214032.png

Thank you for your time.

If possible, please let me know the next steps. 🙏
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Take care!

I do have SSH server. Thanks.

View attachment 13889

View attachment 13890

Thank you for your time.

If possible, please let me know the next steps. 🙏
you would put port 22 on the left and the right boxes.

Left set of boxes is for what the router listens on. If one port, left boxes will be 22 in start and 22 in end (yours will be like this). If its a range, then it would be for example start:21 end 22.

Right set is the internal ports.

That is port triggering tho, you still need the page where to set the port forwarding (where it asks what computer is listening). Without the port forward, it wont make it to your computer cause the router doesnt know what pc to forward that connection to so the router drops it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
    Sound Card
    Realtek S1200A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
    Cooling
    Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Standard Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech M535
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit (Cable)
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
I have to run to work, but attatched is my routers port forwarding to give you an example.

the ip ending in 101 is my server.
 

Attachments

  • forwarding.jpg
    forwarding.jpg
    144.7 KB · Views: 2

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    ASUS Prime X570-P
    Memory
    32gb DDR4 - 3200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 2060 Super KO 6GB PCIE 3.0
    Sound Card
    Realtek S1200A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1. LG 34UM68-P 34-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS 2. ONN 24-Inch LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1. 2560 x 1080 2. 1920 x 1080 (side by side 4480 x 1080)
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 860 EVO 1TB SATA III SSD (OS)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 2TB SATA III (DATA)
    WD BLUE 1TB SATA III (DATA)
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower PF1 750W
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF XB EVO
    Cooling
    Corsair 240mm AIO + 4x 120mm case fans
    Keyboard
    Standard Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech M535
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit (Cable)
    Browser
    Firefox, Chrome, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender

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