How to configure SSH keys using cPanel

When you log into your ruachost server using SSH, you typically enter a password. However, for automated tasks like database backups or allowing multiple users to securely transfer files via SFTP, requiring a password each time can be inconvenient or insecure. By using SSH keys, you can connect to your ruachost server without a password, enabling automatic logins for processes or improved security for multiple users.

What are SSH Keys?

SSH keys are a pair of cryptographic keys (public and private) used for authenticating logins. The private key remains on your local machine, while the public key resides on the Ruachost server. You can also use passphrases for additional security.

Steps to Configure SSH Keys

Option 1: Generating a New SSH Key Pair in cPanel

1. Log into ruachost cPanel.
2. Navigate to SSH Access:
   • In the Security section, click on SSH Access.
3. Generate a New Key:
   • Click Manage SSH Keys, then Generate a New Key.
   • Confirm Key Name is set to id_rsa.
   • Enter a Key Password or use the Password Generator.
   • Ensure Key Type is set to RSA and Key Size is 2048.
   • Click Generate Key.
   • Once generated, the keys will be saved in /home/username/.ssh/.
4. Authorize the Public Key:
   • Under Public Keys, locate the newly created key and click Manage.
   • Click Authorize to enable it for SSH access.

Option 2: Importing an Existing SSH Key

1. Log into ruachost.com cPanel.
2. Navigate to SSH Access.
3. Import Your Existing Key:
   • Under Manage SSH Keys, click Import Key.
   • Enter a name and paste your public key into the text box.
   • Click Import.
4. Authorize the Imported Key:
   • Find your imported key under Public Keys, click Manage, and Authorize.

Connecting to ruachost with SSH Keys

For Windows Users:

Option 1: Using PuTTY

1. Deploy the private key to your local computer by:
   • Downloading the key from Private Keys in SSH Access and converting it to PPK format.
   • Save the key on your local machine.
2. Configure PuTTY:
   • Open PuTTY and navigate to SSH > Auth.
   • Load your .ppk private key file.
   • Under Session, enter username@ruachost.com with the port set to 7822.
   • Save the session and connect.

Option 2: Using Windows Native SSH Client

1. Download the private key to your machine and save it in C:\Users\username\.ssh\.

2. Open Command Prompt and run: bash

   ssh -p 7822 username@ruachost.com

   If the key is saved in a different directory, specify the key file path with the -i option.

For macOS/Linux Users:

1. Save the private key in /home/username/.ssh/.

2. Open Terminal and run: bash

   ssh -p 7822 username@ruachost.com

3. To avoid typing your passphrase repeatedly, add this to ~/.ssh/config: bash

   Host *
       AddKeysToAgent yes

   For macOS, add: bash

   UseKeychain yes

By following these steps, you can securely access your ruachost account using SSH keys for automated tasks or user file transfers without compromising security.