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SSH is how you log in to remote servers and devices.

Once upon a time, people used telnet, but telnet wasn’t encrypted, so it was replaced with the “Secure Shell”, or ssh.

Like telnet, it’s possible to log in using your username and password, but, if you’re still relying on passwords in this day and age, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable. SSH keys are  far superior in terms of security and once you have them set up, they’re much more convenient.

In this article, we’ll talk about why SSH keys are essential, how to create them, and best practices for ensuring their security.

Why SSH Keys are Non-Negotiable

1.  Security You Can’t Ignore: SSH keys are significantly more secure than passwords. If you’re not using them, you’re leaving your systems exposed. They leverage public-key cryptography, making brute-force attacks virtually impossible.
2. Effortless Access: Once configured, SSH keys enable password-less login, making your workflow more efficient and secure.
3. Control and Flexibility: SSH keys can be easily managed, revoked, or rotated as needed, giving you unparalleled control over access. Keys can be easily managed, revoked, or rotated as needed, providing better control over access.

Creating SSH Keys

To create SSH keys, follow these steps:

1. Generate a Key Pair: Use the ssh-keygen command to generate a key pair. You can specify the key length and encryption algorithm. For example, to create a 4096-bit RSA key:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"

1. Secure Your Private Key: Store your private key in a secure location, such as ~/.ssh/id_rsa, and set appropriate permissions:

chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_rsa

1. Copy the Public Key: Copy your public key to the remote server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file:

ssh-copy-id user@remote_server

Best Practices for SSH Key Security

1. Use Strong Passphrases: Protect your private key with a strong passphrase to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Regularly Rotate Keys: Rotate your SSH keys periodically to minimize the risk of compromise.
3. Limit Key Usage: Use separate keys for different servers and restrict key usage to specific commands or hosts.
4. Monitor Key Usage: Monitor SSH key usage and access logs to detect any suspicious activity.

Don’t compromise on security; follow these steps to make sure your SSH keys are secure and well-managed.