How to generate an SSH key

On JetHost shared hosting you can log in over SSH with your cPanel password, but a key is safer. Learning how to generate an SSH key is worth it, because key-based authentication is nearly impossible to brute-force or guess. This guide shows you how to generate an SSH key in cPanel.

Why use an SSH key?

A key comes in two parts: a public key kept on the server and a private key kept on your computer. Because no password travels over the network, key-based login resists brute-force attacks and lets you connect without typing a password each time. You can reuse the same key across your devices, and revoke it instantly if a device is lost.

Generate an SSH key in cPanel

When you generate an SSH key, a public key is stored on the server while the matching private key is saved on your computer. Follow these steps:

1. In cPanel, open SSH Access and click Manage SSH Keys.
2. Click Generate a New Key.
3. Enter a key name and a strong passphrase.
4. Choose the key type. RSA is the recommended, widely supported option.
5. Click Generate Key to create the key pair.
6. Click Manage next to the new key and authorize it. Without authorization you cannot use it to connect.

Download and convert the private key

Next, download your private key so you can use it in an SSH client. Some clients, such as PuTTY, only read keys in .ppk format. To convert it, click View/Download next to the private key, enter your passphrase, and click Convert. Download the .ppk version for Windows, or keep the standard key for Mac and Linux. Store the private key safely and never share it.

Need more help?

With your key ready, connect using our guide for PuTTY on Windows. For background, see how to use SSH.