How to setup SSH keys – Windows OS
Introduction
Setting up SSH-based security to access your server is a more effective method than using a manual root password. Cracking a system secured with SSH keys is nearly impossible, as it utilizes encoded keys for robust protection.
About SSH keys
SSH keys provide enhanced security against brute-force attacks on a virtual private server. Passwords, no matter how complex, are susceptible to security threats. SSH keys offer a higher level of security that is safe and highly resistant to attacks. SSH keys are generated in pairs (public and private keys). The public key can be associated with any server, while only the client with the corresponding private key can access the data.
Data can only be decrypted when the public and private keys match. This inherent design makes SSH highly secure against brute-force attacks. For additional security, you can associate a passphrase with the private key, requiring the user to enter the passphrase to access the private key.
The private key should be safeguarded and must not be shared, unlike the public key.
Setup SSH Keys – Windows
To set up SSH key-based security from your Windows machine, you will need the PuTTY tool for generating the keys.
You can download PuTTY from here.
Follow these steps to generate SSH keys using PuTTY:
Step 1 – Generate the SSH keys
Launch the PuTTY Key Generator by opening the .exe file that you downloaded.
Select the Parameters –
- Type of key to generate: Select SSH-2 RSA.
- Number of bits in a generated key: Specify 2048 or 4096 for higher sec