The most common mathematical algorithms used to generate the keys are Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) and Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA). To create the digital identity, the public and private key are both generated, and the pair is associated with each other using a strong public key cryptography algorithm. These keys are normally managed by an organization’s IT team, or better yet, with the help of a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) to ensure they are stored safely. The public key can be shared freely with any SSH server to which the user wishes to connect. The private key is secret, known only to the user, and should be encrypted and stored safely. ![]() The keys connect users and processes to a server by initiating authentication and granting access automatically, so users don’t have to remember or enter their password for each and every system.Īn SSH key relies upon the use of two related keys, a public key and a private key, that together create a key pair that is used as the secure access credential. And SSH key authentication is more convenient than password authentication. PKI cryptography is being improved continuously, future-proofing identities against new and evolving threats. Using PKI's cryptographic strength and authentication methods, SSH keys are not prone to malicious attacks and valid credentials are not exposed if a system or server has been compromised. ![]() ![]() The cost to businesses is high, not only because of data loss, outages, and the compromise of information, but also because passwords take time to enter, require significant support resources, and must be frequently reset. These issues are compounded by the human factor: that people reuse, share, and continually forget passwords. That’s because bad actors have become increasingly adept at stealing passwords in transit through the internet, lifting them from repositories, and obtaining them through brute force attacks. Passwords used to offer a measure of security, but they are not as effective as they once were. Digital identities need to be strong so that they cannot be stolen, convenient so that access is fast and never interrupted, and future-proof so that enterprises can stay ahead of threats. PasswordsĪt a high level, SSH keys function like passwords by controlling access. SSH keys not only improve security, but also enable the automation of connected processes, single sign-on (SSO), and identity and access management at scale that today’s businesses require. ![]() SSH keys use key pairs based on public key infrastructure (PKI) technology, the gold standard for digital identity authentication and encryption, to provide a secure and scalable method of authentication.Īs the SSH protocol is widely used for communication in cloud services, network environments, file transfer tools, configuration management tools, and other computer-dependent services, most organizations use SSH keys to authenticate identity and protect those services from unintended use or malicious attacks. SSH keys not only improve security, but also enable the automation of connected processes, single sign-on (SSO), and identity and access management at scale that today’s businesses require.Īn SSH key is a secure access credential used in the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol.
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