This site utilizes JavaScript to function correctly. Looks like it's disabled on your browser. Please enable it for your best experience.

For instructions on enabling JavaScript, click here

Skip to main content

Just Host Web Hosting Help

SSH Access - Generating a Public/Private Key

Using a Public/Private key to authenticate when logging into SSH can provide added convenience or added security. The Public/Private key can be used in place of a password so that no username/password is required to connect to the server via SSH. Instead the unique public and private key provide the secure authentication. It is advised that the key uses a different password from your cPanel password.

Generating the Key

  1. Login to your Just Host Control Panel
  2. Choose SSH / Shell Access, in the Security section.
  3. Click Manage SSH Keys
  4. Choose to Generate a new Key
  5. Enter a new Key password.
  6. Choose DSA or RSA for the type.
    It is recommend that you choose RSA.
  7. Choose a Key size, it is recommend to use 2048 or higher.
  8. Click Generate Key
  9. Click the Go Back button.

Authorize the Key

Authorizing the key will add the public key to the authorized_keys file.
  1. Click Manage Authorization
  2. Click the Authorize button for your newly created key.
  3. Click Go Back to return to the main page.

Private Key

The private key needs to be stored on your local computer.
  1. To the right of your private key, click View/Download.
  2. Click the Download Key button to download the private key.
    • If on Linux or Mac OS copy the id_dsa file to your ~/.ssh folder.
    • On Windows you will want to move it some place safe.

Using your new key

Windows

For Windows please see Using SSH on Windows (PuTTY)

Linux or Mac OS

  1. Open your Terminal
  2. Enter the following command
  3. ssh username@IP
  4. If you created a passphrase you might see something like the following
  5. Enter passphrase for key '~/.ssh/id_dsa':
After entering the passphrase you will be connected to the server.
Knowledgebase Article 270,309 views bookmark tags: dedicated ssh


Was this resource helpful?

Did this resolve your issue?


Please add any other comments or suggestions about this content:





Recommended Help Content

How do I create a Public/Private Key Pair in cPanel for use via SSH?
Knowledgebase Article 615,590 views tags: key private public putty ssh windows

This article will explain how to view the outgoing email queue or exim queue in SSH.
Knowledgebase Article 104,843 views tags: dedicated exim ssh vps

I would like to know how to create a new gpg key using SSH access.
Knowledgebase Article 156,356 views tags: encryption gnupg gpg openpgp

Related Help Content

Is SSH/Shell access enabled by default?
Knowledgebase Article 870,972 views tags: bash command line secure shell ssh

This article will explain how to check the dates of your backups using SSH.
Knowledgebase Article 115,860 views tags: backup dedicated ssh vps

How to enable/turn on SSH access for Resold accounts
Knowledgebase Article 105,403 views tags: reseller resold shell ssh whm

VPS and Dedicated servers come with all applications necessary to run a standard web and email server. The applications that come with the VPS and Dedicated servers are generally supported as-is by our support technicians.

How to quickly grant sudo access from the control panel
Knowledgebase Article 157,990 views tags: dedicated sudo

VPS and Dedicated customers with servers running the CentOS 6 operating system will not be able to upgrade cPanel past version 86. The cPanel team will still support CentOS 6 with cPanel 86 until March 31st, 2021.
Knowledgebase Article 113,485 views tags: centos cpanel dedicated hosting private server upgrade virtual vps

What is a Public IP Address?
Knowledgebase Article 296,198 views tags: ip public

What is SSH and how do I setup secure connections.
Knowledgebase Article 484,114 views tags: bash connect putty shell ssh

** Google ad credits are only available to customers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom at this time.

¹ VAT (Value Added Tax) is not included in our advertised price and will be charged separately and itemized on invoices and billing information. Standard VAT rates based on EU Member State regulations may apply. Learn more.