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Why sync remote files the hard way when macFUSE and SSHFS do it for you?

When I first volunteered with a grassroots NGO in a remote area, their biggest tech headache wasn’t lack of funding—it was syncing data between field laptops and their central server.

Every day, team members wrestled with slow uploads, file conflicts, and messy manual transfers that ate into their already scarce time. Watching them struggle, I knew there had to be a better way to sync remote files reliably, without expensive software or complicated setups.

That’s when I introduced them to macFUSE and SSHFS, two open-source tools that turned their chaotic file transfers into smooth, secure syncs. From my experience, these tools are a godsend for NGOs, small teams, or any organization needing simple, cost-effective remote file syncing.

If you care about freedom, transparency, and getting things done without vendor lock-in, this guide is for you.

Let me show you how you can do the same.

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Table of Contents

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• What Are macFUSE and SSHFS — And Why Use Them Together?
• Preparing Your Environment: SSH Keys and Permissions
• macFUSE
  • Installing macFUSE
  • Mounting Remote Directory with SSHFS
• SSHFS
  • Install SSHFS:
  • Mount the remote directory:
  • Syncing with rsync
  • Automating with cron (Optional)
  • Handling Interruptions
• Challenge: When rsync Isn’t Available on the Server
  • Solution: Use SSHFS as a Workaround
  • Mount the Remote Directory:
  • Rudimentary Diagram
• Troubleshooting: Fixing SSHFS Mount Issues on macOS
  • Check Permissions
  • Remount the Directory
  • Update macFUSE and SSHFS
  • Reinstall macFUSE and SSHFS
  • Allow System Extensions
  • Reboot Your Mac
• Empower Your NGO with Easy, Open-Source Remote File Syncing

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What Are macFUSE and SSHFS — And Why Use Them Together?

macFUSE is a powerful open-source software that allows your Mac to recognize and mount various types of file systems created by third-party developers, such as SSHFS. SSHFS (SSH File System) uses the secure SSH protocol to mount and interact with a remote directory as if it were a local folder. This means you can browse, read, and write files on a remote server seamlessly through your Finder or file explorer.

Together, macFUSE and SSHFS offer a secure, low-cost, and flexible way to sync remote files without complicated VPNs or proprietary software. This combo is especially ideal for NGOs and small businesses that want open-source solutions that respect user freedom and privacy.

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Preparing Your Environment: SSH Keys and Permissions

Before syncing remote files, make sure you have SSH access properly set up between your local machine and the remote server.

This typically means:

• Generating SSH keys on your local machine (using ssh-keygen).
• Copying your public key to the remote server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file to enable passwordless authentication.
• Ensuring the remote directory you want to mount has proper read/write permissions for your SSH user.

Setting this up ahead of time saves you from authentication prompts during mounting or file syncing, streamlining your workflow and improving security.

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macFUSE

Installing macFUSE

macFUSE is required on macOS to use SSHFS. Here’s how to install it:

Mounting Remote Directory with SSHFS

1. Download the latest version of macFUSE from the official website.
2. Install the package by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Once installed, verify it by running:

kextstat | grep osxfuse

You should see an entry for macFUSE if the installation was successful.

With macFUSE installed, you can now use SSHFS to mount the remote directory.

SSHFS

Install SSHFS:

brew install sshfs

Mount the remote directory:

sshfs user@remote_host:/remote/directory /local/mount/point

Replace user, remote_host, /remote/directory, and /local/mount/point with your specific details.

Syncing with rsync

Now that the remote directory is mounted locally, you can use rsync to sync the files:

1. Install rsync (if not already installed):

• macOS/Linux: Already included.
• Windows: Use Cygwin or WSL to install rsync.
• Android: Install Termux and then run:

pkg install rsync

• Sync the directories:

rsync -avz --progress /local/mount/point /local/destination

Automating with cron (Optional)

To automate the sync process, you can set up a cron job:

1. Edit the crontab:

crontab -e

Add a cron job to run rsync at regular intervals (e.g., every hour):

0 * * * * rsync -avz /local/mount/point /local/destination

Save and exit the editor.

*For a more nuanced instruction on cron, termux, and rsync, check this “How to Run a Bash Script via Cron in Termux: A Quick Guide to Termux Crontab“

Handling Interruptions

One of the strengths of rsync is its ability to resume interrupted transfers. If the sync is interrupted, simply rerun the rsync command, and it will pick up where it left off.

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Challenge: When rsync Isn’t Available on the Server

In some cases, especially on shared hosting services, you may not have the option to install rsync on the server. This presents a challenge since rsync requires both the client and server to have rsync installed to function properly.

Solution: Use SSHFS as a Workaround

Instead of relying on rsync on the server side, you can mount the remote directory locally using SSHFS, and then use rsync to sync the files to a physical directory on your machine.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

Mount the Remote Directory:

sshfs user@remote_host:/remote/directory /local/mount/point

Sync with rsync: Once the remote directory is mounted, use rsync to sync it with a local directory:

rsync -avz /local/mount/point /local/destination

This method circumvents the need to have rsync installed on the remote server by treating the remote directory as if it were a local one.

Rudimentary Diagram

+-----------------+       +-----------------+       +--------------------+
|  Remote Server  |       |  Local Machine  |       |  Physical Directory|
| (No rsync)      |       | (macOS/Linux)   |       | (macOS/Linux)      |
|                 |       |                 |       |                    |
|   /remote/dir   |<----->|  /local/mount   |<----->|   /local/dest       |
|                 | SSHFS |                 | rsync |                    |
+-----------------+       +-----------------+       +--------------------+

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Troubleshooting: Fixing SSHFS Mount Issues on macOS

Sometimes, macOS may suddenly fail to mount a remote directory using SSHFS. Here’s how to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

Check Permissions

Ensure that macFUSE and SSHFS have the necessary permissions:

• Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access.
• Add Terminal (or the app you’re using) to the list and restart the application.

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Remount the Directory

Sometimes, remounting the directory resolves the issue:

umount /local/mount/point

sshfs user@remote_host:/remote/directory /local/mount/point

If the directory still doesn’t mount, try adding -o allow_other to the SSHFS command:

sshfs user@remote_host:/remote/directory /local/mount/point -o allow_other

Update macFUSE and SSHFS

Outdated software can cause mounting issues. Ensure that macFUSE and SSHFS are up to date:

For macFUSE, visit the official website to download the latest version.

For SSHFS, update via Homebrew:

brew upgrade sshfs

Reinstall macFUSE and SSHFS

If updates don’t resolve the issue, consider reinstalling both macFUSE and SSHFS:

brew uninstall sshfs
brew uninstall macfuse
brew install macfuse
brew install sshfs

Allow System Extensions

macOS may block system extensions after an update. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and allow any blocked system extensions for macFUSE. Restart your Mac after making these changes.

Reboot Your Mac

Sometimes, simply rebooting your Mac can resolve mounting issues.

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Empower Your NGO with Easy, Open-Source Remote File Syncing

For NGOs juggling limited resources and critical missions, every minute counts. Thanks to macFUSE and SSHFS, syncing remote files no longer has to be a frustrating, time-consuming chore. These FOSS tools give you control, security, and simplicity, so your team can focus on what truly matters—making an impact.

If you want more practical, open-source solutions tailored to real-world challenges, subscribe to my newsletter for ongoing tips and guides: https://www.samgalope.dev/newsletter/.

Empower your cause with technology that works for you.