How to add an SSH key to the server for your Nexcess Cloud account

Users can securely access a remote computer over an insecure network with the help of the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. Let’s review how to add an SSH key to your server in the context of your Nexcess Cloud hosting account.

SSH supports password-based authentication, but you are typically advised to use SSH keys instead. Because they are highly resistant to common brute-force password hacking attacks, SSH keys are a more secure way to access an SSH server.

Overview

You can add an SSH key to the server through my.nexcess.net. To be clear, you should already have the following prerequisite steps covered:

• SSH should be enabled on your destination server.
• Public and private SSH keys should have been generated (using the command ssh-keygen -t rsa).
• The server requires that you have a user account and password. The root account will also work.
• You should be aware of the destination server’s IP address.

Step by step instructions

Follow the steps below to add SSH keys to your Nexcess Cloud account.

1. Log in to my.nexcess.net. Then, choose the SSH Keys menu entry from the dropdown menu next to your name.
2. Click the Add SSH Key button in the upper right corner.
3. Click the Add button after filling out the Name and Key fields.
4. Confirm everything works as expected

If successful, your Nexcess Cloud service will start using your SSH key immediately.

Conclusion

Users with the private key associated with the public key on the server are the only ones who can successfully authenticate using SSH Keys. If a hacker obtains the server’s public key, they will be unable to access it without the corresponding private key.