Using and creating an SSH Key

You do not need to make a new key for each server connection, one key is used per accessing computer. This key is stored on the device and can be used for multiple connections.

Creating a key¶

First create the ssh key on the connecting device with:

ssh-keygen -t rsa

# -t specifies type of key in this case rsa

You can add a parse-phrase which ensures a hacker can't use your key immediately. This has the downfall that you have to type the passphrase in each time you connect.

On MAC:¶

Key is saved in /Users/USER/.ssh/id_rsa

On Unix:¶

Key is saved in /home/USER.ssh/id_rsa

Copying the key to a server¶

Access the key to copy as plaintext:¶

cat /Users/USERNAME/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

# Copy this output to digital ocean or other hosting platform

Add to server from command line:¶

If ssh-copy isn't already installed run:

brew install ssh-copy-id

# On MAC

To copy to server run:

ssh-copy-id USER@IP-ADDRESS