Securely sync folders over a public network

Question

I need to keep the files & folders on two Windows-based, non-domain machines synchronized across a public network.

I was thinking rsync over SSH - but I was wondering if there is a simpler solution? Any possibility of using the sync framework over SFTP/SCP/SSH?

Or I'm open to better ideas?

Answer 1

I don't think you could go past rsync. It's fast, reliable and when coupled with SSH (which is a requirement of yours), secure. It's also Free!

If you want some integration with your versioning systems, check out Unison.

There are also commercial alternatives such as InstantSync.

Answer 2

Seems like a textbook case for using FolderShare.

Answer 3

You could set up shared folders over a secure VPN with Hamachi, then use a folder syncing app to sync them up.

Answer 4

Have you tried the award-winning rsyncrypto?

Answer 5

I use SVN. It works (I think) over SSH and SSL.

Full versioning, file syncing, what's not to like?

Answer 6

I'd recommend rdiff-backup. It supports incremental backups over SSH and is a free and proven solution. Being incremental, it also allows access to files that were deleted or to older versions of modified files.

Answer 7

+1 for Chris's recommendation. This is exactly what I use FolderShare for, keeps folders in sync across 3 PCs running Windows and 2 Macs running OS X.

Answer 8

Figured I'd post what I finally went with - WinSCP - http://winscp.net

Connects via GUI to an SFTP server + supports Local/Remote/Both synchronization + scriptable with command-line/batch interface.

Answer 9

you can use a vpn server on hamachi

Answer 10

try this, SSHSync for windows

http://code.google.com/p/sshsync/

A command line applications that allows intelligent Secure FTP transmissions. SshSync only support pull type transfers, but it allows use of a Private Key to ensure that authentication is secure. A text file that contains a list of files always processed is used to check that only 'new' files are retrieved.