How to Add SSH Key in VPS
Adding an SSH key to your Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a crucial step in securing your server and allowing secure access without the need for a password. SSH keys provide a more secure way to connect to your server compared to traditional password authentication. In this article, we will guide you through the process of adding an SSH key to your VPS.
Step 1: Generate an SSH Key Pair
The first step is to generate an SSH key pair on your local machine. To do this, open your terminal and run the following command:
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"
Replace “your_email@example.com” with your actual email address. This command will generate a 4096-bit RSA key pair and save it in the default location on your machine.
Step 2: Copy the Public Key to Your VPS
Next, you need to copy the public key to your VPS. To do this, run the following command in your terminal:
ssh-copy-id username@vps_ip
Replace “username” with your VPS username and “vps_ip” with the IP address of your VPS. This command will copy the public key to the ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file on your VPS.
Step 3: Test the SSH Key Authentication
Once you have copied the public key to your VPS, you can test the SSH key authentication by trying to connect to your VPS. Run the following command in your terminal:
ssh username@vps_ip
If everything is set up correctly, you should be able to connect to your VPS without being prompted for a password.
Conclusion
Adding an SSH key to your VPS is an essential step in securing your server and ensuring secure access. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily add an SSH key to your VPS and enjoy the benefits of secure, passwordless authentication.