Learn How to Configuring SSH Key Types

ByFoxpass
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SSH (Secure Shell) is a popular protocol used to establish a secure connection between a client and a server over an unsecured network. It is widely used for remote login and remote command execution, as well as file transfers.

SSH uses a public-key cryptography system to authenticate users and encrypt data during the transmission. The SSH keys are used to authenticate the client and server, and to establish a secure connection. There are different types of SSH keys available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

In this blog, we’ll go through the different types of SSH keys and how to configure them.

RSA Key

The RSA key is the most widely used SSH key types. It is named after the inventors of the algorithm – Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman. RSA keys use a mathematical algorithm to generate a pair of keys – a public key and a private key. The public key is shared with the server, while the private key is kept secret on the client.

The command will prompt you to enter a filename for the key pair and a passphrase for the private key. Once the key pair is generated, you can copy the public key to the server’s authorized_keys file to enable passwordless authentication.

ECDSA Key

ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) is a newer type of SSH key that is designed to be more efficient and secure than RSA keys. It uses elliptic curve cryptography to generate a key pair – a public key and a private key.

Like RSA keys, ECDSA keys also require a passphrase for the private key. Once the key pair is generated, you can copy the public key to the server’s authorized_keys file.

ED25519 Key

ED25519 is another type of SSH key that is designed to be more secure and faster than RSA and ECDSA keys. It uses the EdDSA (Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm) elliptic curve cryptography system to generate a key pair – a public key and a private key.

Like other SSH keys, ED25519 keys also require a passphrase for the private key. Once the key pair is generated, you can copy the public key to the server’s authorized_keys file.

Conclusion

In this blog, we discussed the different types of SSH keys and how to configure them. RSA keys are the most widely used type of SSH key, but ECDSA and ED25519 keys are newer and more secure. Each type of key has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right key type based on your specific requirements.

Remember to keep your private keys safe and never share them with anyone. By following these best practices, you can ensure a secure and hassle-free SSH experience.