To connect to a Linux server via SSH (Secure Shell Host), you can use SSH keys. This is a very secure way to connect to a VPS without the need for a password.
In this article we explain what SSH keys are and what the use of an SSH key is.
- You can find a tutorial for generating SSH keys here.
- For more information on the general use of SSH, see this tutorial.
What are SSH keys?
SSH keys, also known as an SSH key pair, are keys that allow you to establish a secure network connection with a computer system or server.
An SSH 'key pair' consists of a public key and a private key. The private key remains on your own computer or laptop from where you connect to another computer or server which has your public key. The private key contains signatures that can be verified by the public key.
The authentication method with SSH keys is called Public Key Authentication and offers a number of advantages over password login. For example: only the public key and not the used password or its hash value is stored on the server. The personal (private) SSH key remains on your own computer and therefore secret. Additionally, you can also encrypt the private SSH key with a password.
The SSH private key generates signatures which are verified by the public key. This makes automatic login to the server possible. Even if unauthorized persons access the public key, it is almost impossible for them to calculate the corresponding personal key.
So if you use key pairs for your SSH connection instead of a simple password, you save the login dialog and at the same time ensure greater security, for example by reducing the risk of malware.
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