What is SSH (Secure Shell)?
SSH, which stands for Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol that allows secure communication between two devices over an insecure network. It is commonly used for remote access to servers and other devices, allowing users to securely log in and execute commands on a remote machine.
How does SSH work?
SSH works by establishing a secure connection between a client and a server. This connection is encrypted to prevent eavesdropping and tampering by malicious actors. When a user initiates an SSH connection, the client and server exchange cryptographic keys to authenticate each other and establish a secure channel for communication.
What are the benefits of using SSH?
Using SSH offers several benefits, including:
– Secure communication: SSH encrypts data transmitted between client and server, protecting it from interception.
– Authentication: SSH uses cryptographic keys to authenticate users, making it more secure than traditional password-based authentication.
– Remote access: SSH allows users to remotely access and manage servers and other devices, making it a valuable tool for system administrators and developers.
What are the different authentication methods in SSH?
There are several authentication methods available in SSH, including:
– Password authentication: Users can log in to a server by entering a password.
– Public key authentication: Users can authenticate using a pair of cryptographic keys, with the public key stored on the server and the private key kept secure on the client.
– Keyboard-interactive authentication: Users can authenticate using a combination of password and challenge-response prompts.
How can SSH be used for secure file transfer?
SSH can also be used for secure file transfer using protocols such as SCP (Secure Copy) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). These protocols allow users to securely transfer files between a client and server over an encrypted SSH connection, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
What are some common SSH commands and options?
Some common SSH commands and options include:
– ssh: The command used to initiate an SSH connection to a remote server.
– scp: The command used to securely copy files between a client and server.
– sftp: The command used to interactively transfer files between a client and server using the SFTP protocol.
– ssh-keygen: The command used to generate cryptographic key pairs for authentication.
– ssh-agent: The command used to manage SSH keys and facilitate passwordless authentication.
