Pubkey Authentication, How to?

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Posted by anastasia0181, 12-01-2009, 02:01 PM
Hello, I need to secure my server by disabling SSH Password Authentication. I created my public and private keys, I copied both to my computer and deleted the private key from WHM. That is all i know so far. Please I need step by step, how to connect to SSH via Putty. Thank you.
Posted by AlexSteel, 12-01-2009, 02:11 PM
In putty: Connection -> SSH -> Auth -> Browse and select the keyfile. You might have to convert the key to putty format ( I don't have CPanel). Google for puttygen.exe (it's on the official site).
Posted by david510, 12-01-2009, 02:53 PM
The always happening issue with the rsa key setup is permission of files. Make sure the associated files have correct permissions. Permissions
Posted by ZafferM, 12-01-2009, 05:06 PM
Google "passwordless ssh putty", in case this doesn't help
Posted by SPaReK, 12-01-2009, 05:15 PM
To use SSH keys with Putty you need to use Pageant.
Posted by ZafferM, 12-01-2009, 05:29 PM
Says who? You can definitely use SSH keys with Putty without Pageant. Pageant is for when you created the keys with pass-phrase.
Posted by SPaReK, 12-01-2009, 05:37 PM
I've always used Pageant with Putty when I'm on Windows. Perhaps this has changed? Is Pageant no longer necessary with Putty?
Posted by ZafferM, 12-01-2009, 05:50 PM
It was never necessary, Pageant just makes it easier if your keys were created with pass-phrase.
Posted by SPaReK, 12-01-2009, 05:55 PM
I always used keys with passphrases, maybe that's why. I just looked through the tutorial at: http://www.howtoforge.com/ssh_key_based_logins_putty and it shows where to specify a private key file in Putty. I never knew that existed. Apologies for leading this thread a bit off course.
Posted by anastasia0181, 12-10-2009, 08:49 AM
Hi there, while generarting the ssh key, which type sould I choose DSA or RSA.
Posted by DigitalLinx, 12-10-2009, 09:05 AM
RSA is faster when authenticating so it's my personal preference.
Posted by ZafferM, 12-12-2009, 07:03 AM
Personally prefer DSA, but check http://neubia.com/archives/000191.html (might help you decide one way or the other)
Posted by anastasia0181, 12-15-2009, 05:18 AM
Hi, The pubkey authentification worked fine on my first server, however I get an Access Denied for the Passphrase on my second server, I changed it 3 times but same error.I have the right permission for all files. What could be the issue please. I am uding putty keygen and I have cpanel server. Thank you. Last edited by anastasia0181; 12-15-2009 at 05:26 AM.
Posted by david510, 12-15-2009, 07:00 AM
Any white space got entered into the key?
Posted by anastasia0181, 12-15-2009, 07:46 AM
No david, there is no space in the key.