Setting Up an SSH Key

Entering secure passwords each time you log in to a server can be slow and painful but there is a better way. It's time to jump in and set up an SSH handshake.

This screencast guides you through the setup process, explains how to link your git repository account and it has a cute robot.

Stop re-typing that 25 character password and let's get started.

[Neemulus]

I've spent a few hours trying to get this to work and you've explained it really simply and guided me through the process in less than 15 mins.  If only all the interweb was as clear as you Dan.  many thanks!

[lpfagundeseai]

I was trying to access a beaglebone using ssh without password and it wasn't working. Following your video it worked. So thank you very much!!! You're awesome!! =D

[kamal-ahmed]

@Andy Neal: Open the terminal and type the following commands without quote
1. "cd ~"
2. "ls -la"
if you do not see a ".ssh" directory in the list then use the following command to create one
3. "mkdir .ssh"
now type again
4. "ls -la" and you should see .ssh folder is there and now you can store your ssh keys there following this video tutorial above :) I hope this helps you.

[AriunboldG]

Very nice explanation using robot analogy.

[garygoodger]

Thanks mate, came here for a simple ssh key and learnt the alias trick on mac! Awesome :)

[no_more_free_nicks]

Hi, thanks for the video, I needed to remind how this works, it is so simple now. Great video.

[amitnehasharma]

Thanks! Was struggling for the last hour to do this!! Worked now.

[PETAJOULE]

More detailed explanation about ssh directories in local machine and remote machine (e.g., authorized_keys, sshd). Also, the fact that in linux everything would be simpler

[piotrk.]

Hi, Great video explains everything nice and clear. One thing wasn't sure about, why did you remove the passphrase from the Server, if the main intention was to put another layer of protection in case someone would gain access to id_rsa? Wouldn't it be better to keep the passphrase on?

[leeblack]

NICE!

Id be too nervous to disable "PasswordAuthentication". What about adding "AllowUsers" and change LogLevel to "VERBOSE" as a alternative?

[austinshea]

Thanks, well put together and informative!

[miladiouss]

Here is the summary of steps:

1. local: `ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 2048`
2. local → host: copy `~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub` from local to `~/.ssh/authorized_keys` at host.
3. host: `chmod 644 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys`
4. host: `chmod 755 ~/.ssh`
5. host: `chmod go-w ~/`
6. local: `ssh <username>@<host>; cd ~; bash;`

[ShahnawazSayyad]

Awesome ... explanation is also too good

[rahulgoyal]

This video is indeed very helpful to understand about ssh! Thank you :)

[anton_maker]

Your video helps me a lot. Thank you so much!

[randyrandall]

Am I suppose to set up a web server before I do this? New at this. Thanks.

[pjmclenon]

hello sir, just for testing purposes my software allows me to setup hosts on 1 server by using different hosts name and differnt ports and so what i mean is it would be as an example host0 on port 8000 and host1 on port 8001 and host2 on port8002 and host3 on port 8003 and so how do i insert the pub key to an auth key file on each host folder than are all on 1 server linux ununtu machine? or is it just done once on host0 machine in the home/user folder?
i am not understandung this and if there is no solution then since my software does run ssh on actual differnet srvers with dirferent IP then i will follw your vid but for now since its in my docs that i can use diffenrt ports and host names and use only 1 server machine, thats what i am trying to do becuz my software has to use ssh passwrdless to function;
Lisa

[robertspencer]

Very good...TY... All the meat is there

[andyneal]

I looked on my MAC OSX 10.6.8 & ssh is not listed.? Seen links to download but they no longer exist. Can it still be bone. Sorry i a bit slow watching & typing command lines.

[samvadidar]

at 6:32 you write a password in which you can go to the home directory.
I am trying to install linux code and I need to use ssh. I do not know which password do I need to type at this stage !