M:Drive - remote access

This article will show you how to remotely access your M:Drive

Before you start

When prompted to enter your Microsoft verification code, enter the 6 digit One-time password code shown on your Microsoft Authenticator app. SMS/Phone verification does not work with this service.

You can change your MFA settings online.

Windows, Mac and Linux (Using FileZilla)

1. Download FileZilla for your device and install it

2. Choose File > Site Manager

3. Choose New site, then enter the following:
   
   Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol
   Host: mdrive.essex.ac.uk
   Port: 22
   Logon Type: Interactive
   User: Enter your Essex username (don’t add @essex.ac.uk after it)
   
   

   Open

   

4. Go to Transfer Settings and check the box and leave maximum number of connections at 1.
   
   

   Open

   

5. Choose Connect

6. The first time you connect you may see this message about an “Unknown host key”. This message should look like the one below:
   
   

7. If you are satisfied that that the fingerprint matches (see Server key fingerprints), choose Always trust this host, add this key to the cache, and then choose OK to continue.

8. On connection, you will be asked for your University password. Enter your University password and choose OK.
   
   

9. If your password is correct, you will then be asked for your Microsoft verification code.

10. On your mobile device, open the Microsoft Authenticator app and choose the University of Essex profile, then enter the 6 digit One-time password code shown on your app into the Password box.
    
    

11. You should now be connected. You can now drag and drop files in either direction.
    
    

     

SFTP command line

Available by default on Mac and Linux. Can be installed on Windows if the OpenSSH package is installed.

1. From a terminal window, enter:
   
   

   sftp <mylogin>@mdrive.essex.ac.uk

2. Enter your Essex password and Microsoft verification code when prompted, for example:
   
   

   PS C:\Users\mylogin> sftp mylogin@mdrive.essex.ac.uk (mylogin@mdrive.essex.ac.uk) Password: (mylogin@mdrive.essex.ac.uk) Enter Your Microsoft verification code: Connected to mdrive.essex.ac.uk. sftp>

Server key fingerprints

When connecting to an unknown SSH server, you should ideally check that the SSH fingerprint matches the expected (published) value. For the server mdrive.essex.ac.uk, the server has three key types with fingerprints: