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    AutoConfig Backup Location

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General pfSense Questions
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    • T
      tyler.montney 0
      last edited by

      I am aware of the regular backup location, /cf/conf/backup, but these files are plaintext (so they can't be the AutoConfig ones).

      I'm looking to run a cron job from PFSense to push config backups to a remote location. I've seen a GitHub recommendation a few times, but it's an EXE (requires a Windows machine) and is pull (not push). Far easier to secure when PFSense is the one pushing the config to a share (tied to a user with limited permissions).

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        tyler.montney 0 @tyler.montney 0
        last edited by

        https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/backup/remote-backup.html

        Originally, I had been using the CURL method. Somehow I never realized it, but I don't believe it's working. (It's saving HTML content.)

        GertjanG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • GertjanG
          Gertjan @tyler.montney 0
          last edited by

          @tyler-montney-0 said in AutoConfig Backup Location:

          Originally, I had been using the CURL method. Somehow I never realized it, but I don't believe it's working. (It's saving HTML content.)

          It's a pull method.
          And its working, as it 'logs in' and then requests the xml file.
          At least, it did work when I tested it a couple of month ago.

          Btw : it's easy to "push" as you can see : use the scp method.

          No "help me" PM's please. Use the forum, the community will thank you.
          Edit : and where are the logs ??

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          • S
            Steve_B Netgate
            last edited by

            Perhaps I misunderstand your question, but the backups made by the pfSense Auto Config Backup system are encrypted and pushed to a server in one of Netgate's data centers, either on each change or on a user defined schedule. You won't find them on the firewall.

            Als ik kan

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              tyler.montney 0 @Steve_B
              last edited by tyler.montney 0

              @steve_b Oh, no I definitely don't want this. The description for Hint/Identifier should've tipped me off, but this needs to be more clearly stated.

              @Gertjan Right, now that I realize the backup goes to Netgate, that means the plaintext is my only option.

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              • S
                Steve_B Netgate
                last edited by

                https://docs.netgate.com/pfsense/en/latest/backup/autoconfigbackup.html

                Seems pretty clear :)

                Als ik kan

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                  tyler.montney 0 @Steve_B
                  last edited by

                  @steve_b I mean from the GUI. I only review documentation when something seems unclear. Nothing there stuck out enough to make me think otherwise. Opened #12296 on redmine.

                  I've opted to go the scp route, using the cron package (to set a cron job from the web interface).

                  GertjanG 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • GertjanG
                    Gertjan @tyler.montney 0
                    last edited by

                    @tyler-montney-0 said in AutoConfig Backup Location:

                    I mean from the GUI.

                    The file you download is a backup, meant to be stored on a device that you trust ^^
                    ( as any backup ...)

                    @tyler-montney-0 said in AutoConfig Backup Location:

                    Opened #12296 on redmine.

                    You have a point.
                    "We all know" what ABC is, where it's stored, and under what conditions you can retrieve it.
                    ABC uses a server @Netgate where our copies are saved. They are encrypted, and can only be read back if you have kept that key (and ID etc) on a safe (local !) place.
                    ABC was, in the past, on option that was not free. It was a package that you had to add, and set up.

                    The doc doesn't really state clearly that is actually a 'cloud' thing.
                    That it isn't a perfect solution.
                    That it needs a working connection to the Internet.
                    That you should backup the access credentials.
                    Etc etc.

                    @tyler-montney-0 said in AutoConfig Backup Location:

                    I've opted to go the scp route, using the cron package (to set a cron job from the web interface).

                    If you created a small shell script, you could add your own encryption.
                    Take a copy of the config file, encrypt it before sending it away to some local device.

                    No "help me" PM's please. Use the forum, the community will thank you.
                    Edit : and where are the logs ??

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