TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Why should I setup a SSH connection?
• What You Need Before Starting
• How do I setup a SSH connection on Windows?
• How do I setup a SSH connection on Linux?
• How do I setup a SSH connection on Mac?
• Common Questions
• Summary

Why should I setup a SSH connection?

SSH (Secure Shell) allows you to securely access and manage your server remotely.

By default, many servers allow password-based login. While this works, using SSH key authentication instead of passwords significantly increases security because:

• A private key is nearly impossible to brute-force.

• Your password is never transmitted.

• Automated login attempts fail without the private key.

• You can disable password login entirely.

What You Need Before Starting

• Your server’s IP address

• Your username (e.g., root or another user)

• Access to your local computer’s terminal or SSH client

How do I setup a SSH connection on Windows?

Modern Windows 10 and 11 include built-in OpenSSH. 

1. Open PowerShell

Press:

Windows Key → Type "PowerShell" → Open

2. Generate an SSH Key 

Run:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

Press Enter to accept the default file location.

You will be prompted to set a passphrase. We strongly recommend setting one. 

This creates:

• Private key:
  C:\Users\YOUR_USER\.ssh\id_ed25519

• Public key:
  C:\Users\YOUR_USER\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub

3. Upload the public key to your server

Run:

ssh-copy-id USERNAME@SERVER_IP

If your server uses a custom SSH port: 

ssh-copy-id -p PORT USERNAME@SERVER_IP

If ssh-copy-id is not available, you can manually copy your public key: 

type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub

Copy the output and paste it into: 

~/.ssh/authorized_keys

on your server. 

4. Connect to your server

ssh USERNAME@SERVER_IP

If using a custom port: 

ssh -p PORT USERNAME@SERVER_IP

How do I setup a SSH connection on Linux?

Linux systems include SSH by default. 

1. Open Terminal

2. Generate an SSH Key 

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

Press Enter to accept defaults.

Your keys will be stored in:

~/.ssh/id_ed25519
~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

3. Upload the Public Key 

ssh-copy-id USERNAME@SERVER_IP

For custom port: 

ssh-copy-id -p PORT USERNAME@SERVER_IP

4. Connect 

ssh USERNAME@SERVER_IP

How do I setup a SSH connection on Mac?

macOS includes SSH by default. No additional software is required. 

1. Open terminal
Press:

Cmd + Space → Type "Terminal" → Open

2. Generate an SSH key

Run:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

Press Enter to accept defaults.

Your keys will be stored in:

~/.ssh/id_ed25519
~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

3. Upload the public key to your server

Run:

ssh-copy-id USERNAME@SERVER_IP

If using a custom port: 

ssh-copy-id -p PORT USERNAME@SERVER_IP

If ssh-copy-id is not available: 

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

Copy the output and manually paste it into: 

~/.ssh/authorized_keys

on your server.

4. Connect to your server

ssh USERNAME@SERVER_IP

Common Questions

Can I use the same SSH key on multiple servers?

Yes. You can copy your public key to multiple servers.

What happens if I lose my private key?

You will not be able to log in unless another authentication method is available.

Is changing the SSH port required?

No. It can reduce automated scan noise but does not replace proper security practices.

Summary

Setting up SSH key authentication:

• Protects your server from brute-force attacks

• Removes password vulnerabilities

• Provides a secure and industry-standard authentication method

• Is strongly recommended for all production environments.