SSH Keys vs SSH Passwords: A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

SSH Keys vs SSH Passwords: A Comparison

Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol for secure data communication and remote operations between two networked computers. It establishes a secure channel over an insecure network, connecting a server and a client running SSH server and SSH client programs. The essence of SSH security is its authentication methods: SSH keys and passwords.

This blog post aims to help you understand which one might be the best fit for your needs.

SSH Passwords: Understanding the Basics

You log in to your server using a username and password. The server verifies your credentials before granting access.

Pros of Password Authentication

Password authentication is user-friendly. Users can remember their credentials easily, and browsers can auto-fill these fields for web login. Security can be enhanced by implementing policies like limiting login attempts, mandating complex passwords, and periodic resets.

Cons of Password Authentication

However, password authentication is susceptible to brute-force attacks if users choose weak passwords. Since credentials are transmitted directly to the server, this method is more hackable.

SSH Keys: A Secure Alternative

SSH key is a pair of cryptographic keys (public and private) unique to your computer or account. You store your public key on the server and use your private key for login.

Pros of SSH Key Authentication

SSH keys are more secure than passwords. They are cryptographically generated and require both keys for access, making them harder to crack.

Cons of SSH Key Authentication

The downside is that SSH keys can be challenging for non-technical users to handle. Losing a private key means losing server access, and if stolen, it compromises server security.

Setting Up SSH Keys

Setting up SSH keys involves a few steps, but once completed, it can make your workflow more efficient and secure. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up SSH keys:

Step 1: Generate the SSH Key Pair

The first step is to generate a new SSH key pair on your local machine. This can be done by opening a terminal and running the following command:

ssh-keygen

You will be prompted to enter a file in which to save the key. press enter to save your keys to the default directory, which is usually

/home/your_username/.ssh

Next, enter a passphrase. It’s recommended to enter a passphrase here for an extra layer of security.

Step 2: Copy the Public Key to Your Server

After generating your SSH key pair, the next step is to copy your public key to your server. You can do this by using the ssh-copy-id command followed by your username and the IP address of your server:

ssh-copy-id username@server_ip_address

Step 3: Test Your SSH Key

Finally, you can test your new SSH key by attempting to SSH into your server with the following command:

ssh username@server_ip_address

If everything was set up correctly, you should be logged into your server without being asked for a password.

Remember, managing SSH keys can become cumbersome as soon as you need to use a second key. A better solution is to automate adding keys, store passwords, and to specify which key to use when accessing certain servers.

SSH Keys vs SSH Passwords Conclusion

In our comparison for SSH Keys vs SSH Passwords, Setting up SSH keys might seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the command line. However, the benefits of using SSH keys over passwords are significant. Not only do SSH keys provide a more secure way of logging into your server, but they also offer a more efficient workflow once they’re set up.