---
title: "Syncing user data to Opensense over SFTP"
slug: "external-sftp-sync"
description: "How SFTP sync sends user data to Opensense as .csv files, with the Opensense-hosted server, column name rules, PGP decryption, and automatic processing."
updated: 2025-05-14T20:37:34.000Z
canonical: "https://help.opensense.com/docs/external-sftp-sync"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.opensense.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Syncing user data to Opensense over SFTP

## Overview

This article gives a high-level overview of how SFTP sync works with Opensense, to automate data transfer securely with `.csv` files.

Opensense supports integration with external systems through SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), to deliver user data in `.csv` format. This automates secure syncing of directory information directly into the Opensense platform, which reduces manual effort and increases data accuracy.

## How SFTP sync works

<dl class="kb-insights-summary">
  <div><dt id="1-purpose">Purpose</dt><dd>A seamless, automated process for pushing user data into Opensense from your internal systems. When it's set up, user directory changes, such as new hires, updates, or removals, are reflected in Opensense.</dd></div>
  <div><dt id="2-how-it-works">How it works</dt><dd>Your system sends <code>.csv</code> files to a secure folder on the Opensense-hosted SFTP server. Opensense then processes those files automatically, and syncs the user data in them into your Opensense environment.</dd></div>
  <div><dt id="3-connection-details">Connection details</dt><dd>You receive specific credentials and folder information from the Opensense team. You use them to configure your side of the connection.</dd></div>
  <div><dt id="4-data-format-and-mapping">Data format and mapping</dt><dd>The <code>.csv</code> file should include all the fields that your email signature and directory sync setup need. Opensense works with you to map each field to the correct attributes in the platform.</dd></div>
  <div><dt id="5-pgp-decryption-support">PGP decryption</dt><dd>Opensense supports PGP decryption, for customers who need an additional layer of data security.</dd></div>
  <div><dt id="6-automation-features">Automation</dt><dd>When the sync is active, uploaded files are detected and processed automatically, user records are created or updated without manual intervention, and changes in your directory system are consistently reflected in Opensense.</dd></div>
</dl>

:::caution[Column names]
Column names must be all lowercase, with no spaces. You can use underscores (`_`) in place of spaces.
:::


## What's next

- [Workday SFTP sync overview (change request)](https://help.opensense.com/docs/cr-workday-sftp-sync-for-opensense-1)
- [Setting up Workday SFTP sync with an EIB](https://help.opensense.com/docs/workday-sftp-sync-for-opensense)

For further help, contact Opensense Support at [help@opensense.com](mailto:help@opensense.com).