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Accessing Your Account Using SSH Keys in Ruachost

SSH (Secure Shell) keys provide a secure and convenient way to access your Ruachost hosting account without typing your password every time. They can also be used to set up automated processes or add an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication.

What Are SSH Keys?

Section titled “What Are SSH Keys?”

SSH keys are a pair of cryptographic keys used for authentication:

  • Private Key – stays on your local computer and should never be shared.
  • Public Key – uploaded to your Ruachost hosting account.

When you connect, the server checks that your private key matches the stored public key, allowing you to log in securely.

Why Use SSH Keys?

Section titled “Why Use SSH Keys?”
  • Passwordless Login – no need to type your password each time.
  • Automation – run scheduled tasks (like backups) without manual login.
  • Security – stronger than passwords alone, especially when combined with a passphrase.
  • Team Access – grant developers or collaborators secure access without sharing your main password.

Generating SSH Keys

Section titled “Generating SSH Keys”

You’ll first need to generate a key pair on your local computer.

On Windows (10/11):

Section titled “On Windows (10/11):”

  1. Open Command Prompt.

  2. Run:

    Terminal window
    ssh-keygen

  3. Press Enter to accept the default save location.

  4. Optionally, set a passphrase for extra security.

  5. Your keys will be saved in the .ssh folder (e.g., id_rsa and id_rsa.pub).

    On macOS/Linux:

    Section titled “On macOS/Linux:”

    1. Open Terminal.

    2. Run:

      Terminal window
      ssh-keygen -t rsa

    3. Press Enter to accept the default save location.

    4. Optionally, set a passphrase.

    5. Keys will be saved in ~/.ssh/.

      Adding Your Public Key to Ruachost

      Section titled “Adding Your Public Key to Ruachost”

      1. Log in to your Ruachost CPanel.

      2. Navigate to Security Settings → SSH Access.

      3. Open the authorized_keys file or use the panel’s SSH Key Manager.

      4. Paste the contents of your public key (id_rsa.pub).

      5. Save changes and ensure correct permissions are set:

        Terminal window
        chmod 700 ~/.ssh
        chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

        Connecting with SSH Keys

        Section titled “Connecting with SSH Keys”

        Once your key is added, connect using your private key:

        Terminal window
        ssh username@yourdomain.com

        • Replace username with your Ruachost account username.

        • Replace yourdomain.com with your domain or server IP.

        • If using a custom port, specify it with -p, for example:

          Terminal window
          ssh -p 7822 username@yourdomain.com

        If you set a passphrase, you’ll be prompted to enter it. Otherwise, you’ll log in automatically.