How to Create SSH Key in Windows?
Entrance
Nowadays, security is of great importance to internet users and system administrators. SSH (Secure Shell) keys are a widely used method to securely connect to remote servers. In this article, we will explain the step-by-step process of creating an SSH key in Windows operating system.
What is SSH Key?
SSH key is a key that allows a secure connection between two computers using encryption technology. SSH key is often used to provide secure access to remote servers. These keys consist of two components: a private key and a public key.
How to Create SSH Key in Windows?
To create an SSH key on Windows operating system, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Installing OpenSSH
On Windows 10 and above, the OpenSSH client comes by default. However, you need to make sure that this component is installed. To do this, follow these steps:
- Settings Go to the menu.
- Applications Select the section.
- Optional Features Click the tab.
- OpenSSH Client Check the list. If it is not installed, Add Feature button to install.
Step 2: Open Command Prompt
You can use Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell to create an SSH key. To do this:
- Start MenuClick on .
- cmd or PowerShell Open the relevant application by typing.
Step 3: Run the SSH Key Generation Command
Start the SSH key generation process by typing the following command:
ssh-keygenStep 4: Determine the Key File Location
The command prompt will ask you for the location where the key file will be saved. Accept by default Enter You can press the key:
Generating public/private rsa key pair. Enter file in which to save the key (C:\Users\UserName/.ssh/id_rsa):Step 5: Set Password (Optional)
You can set a password to protect your key file. This step is optional, to go without a password Enter You can press the key:
Enter passphrase (empty for no passphrase): Enter same passphrase again:Step 6: Creating the Key File
Following these steps will create your SSH key files and save them to the specified location:
Your identification has been saved in C:\Users\UserName/.ssh/id_rsa. Your public key has been saved in C:\Users\UserName/.ssh/id_rsa.pub.Using Your SSH Key
You can securely connect to remote servers using the SSH key you created. To do this, you need to add your public key to the remote server.
Step 1: Copy Your Public Key
To copy your public key, you can use the following command:
cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pubThis command will display your public key on the terminal screen. You can copy this key and add it to the authorized keys file on the remote server.
Step 2: Adding the Public Key to the Remote Server
By connecting to the remote server, you can obtain your public key ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file. To do this, you can follow the steps below:
- Connect to the remote server.
~/.sshGo to the directory. If the directory does not exist, create it:mkdir -p ~/.ssh- Your public key
authorized_keysadd to file:echo "the_public_key_you_copied" >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
Advantages of Using SSH Key
There are many advantages to using an SSH key:
- Security: It is more secure than password-based authentication and more resistant to brute force attacks.
- Ease: You can connect to servers automatically without having to enter a password.
- Productivity: SSH keys provide a fast and efficient connection method for servers you connect to frequently.
Disadvantages of Using SSH Key
However, SSH keys also have some disadvantages:
- Risk of Loss: If you lose your private key, you may lose access to the servers.
- Vulnerabilities: If your private key is compromised, unauthorized access to any server is possible.
Conclusion
SSH keys are a great way to connect to remote servers securely and efficiently. Creating an SSH key on the Windows operating system is quite simple and can be done in just a few steps. In terms of security and efficiency, using SSH keys offers great advantages, especially for users who connect to servers frequently. By following these steps, you can generate your SSH keys and enjoy secure connections.
