Generate and Use SSH Keys in Linux

SSH Keys in Linux

SSH (Secure Shell) Keys are the fundamental means of secure communication between two devices over a network. It is an essential security measure that ensures the authenticity of systems participating in the communication.

In a Linux system, SSH keys are used to authenticate the user to the remote machine when attempting to access it. These keys are generated using the SSH protocol, which is an encryption method that helps secure communication between two interested parties.

The two main types of SSH keys used in the Linux system are the RSA (Rivest, Shamir and Adleman) and the DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm) keys. Both types of keys are stored in text format in the appropriate SSH configuration files.

RSA keys are the most commonly used key type in Linux. They are asymmetric keys that use a pair of complimentary keys - one public key and one private - for authentication. The public key is kept in the remote server, while the private key is kept only by the user. The private key is secured with a passphrase, which must be entered each time the user attempts to access the remote machine.

DSA keys are another type of key used in the Linux system. These are symmetric keys that use the same key for both authentication and encryption. Unlike RSA keys, these do not require a passphrase.

SSH keys are an important security measure that helps protect your data and resources on the remote system. By setting up the appropriate key types, you can ensure that only authorized users have access to your system.