Rsync¶

Abstract

This article will explain what rsync is and detail how to enable it for use in the Virginia Cyber Range.

What is Rsync?¶

Rsync, which stands for remote sync, is a remote and local file synchronization tool. It efficiently transfers files and directories over a network or locally.

How Do I Use Rsync on the Cyber Range?¶

In order to use rsync on the Cyber Range with hosts located on the internet, users can simply enter the following command to set the proper variable in their desired exercise environment:

export RSYNC_PROXY=proxy.cyberservices.internal:80

You can also configure rsync permanently by appending the above line to ~/.bashrc file:

Important

Please conduct this method with care. Not copying the command correctly or omitting a character could break an existing terminal.

echo "export RSYNC_PROXY=proxy.cyberservices.internal:80" >> ~/.bashrc

After successfully configuring proxy environment variable for rsync, rsync can be used as normal. One can then use rsync to connect to remote hosts. For example:

rsync rsync.kernel.org::pub
MOTD:
MOTD:   Welcome to the Linux Kernel Archive.
MOTD:
MOTD:   Due to U.S. Exports Regulations, all cryptographic software on this
MOTD:   site is subject to the following legal notice:
MOTD:
MOTD:   This site includes publicly available encryption source code
MOTD:   which, together with object code resulting from the compiling of
MOTD:   publicly available source code, may be exported from the United
MOTD:   States under License Exception "TSU" pursuant to 15 C.F.R. Section
MOTD:   740.13(e).
MOTD:
MOTD:   This legal notice applies to cryptographic software only.
MOTD:   Please see the Bureau of Industry and Security,
MOTD:   http://www.bis.doc.gov/ for more information about current
MOTD:   U.S. regulations.
MOTD:

drwxr-xr-x            160 2019/05/03 15:15:23 .
-rw-r--r--             32 2025/06/30 16:10:19 .autosigner-last-run
drwxr-xr-x             92 2011/12/01 14:56:21 dist
drwxr-xr-x          4,096 2014/11/11 16:50:10 linux
drwxr-xr-x             27 2008/09/23 19:35:52 media
drwxr-xr-x             74 2018/07/24 13:25:12 scm
drwxr-xr-x            154 2025/06/27 18:00:01 site
drwxr-xr-x          4,096 2011/11/27 12:31:37 software
drwxr-xr-x             47 2023/03/28 13:48:30 tools

Have a Question? Contact Support¶

We're here to help you. If you still have questions after reviewing the information above, please feel free to submit a ticket with our Support Team and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.