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Is SSH public key a secret?
SSH public key authentication relies on asymmetric cryptographic algorithms that generate a pair of separate keys (a key pair), one “private” and the other “public”. You keep the private key a secret and store it on the computer you use to connect to the remote system. ssh/authorized_keys directory.
Which SSH key should I use?
When it comes down to it, the choice is between RSA 2048⁄4096 and Ed25519 and the trade-off is between performance and compatibility. RSA is universally supported among SSH clients while EdDSA performs much faster and provides the same level of security with significantly smaller keys.
Are there any security risks with using SSH?
Here are some of the risks posed to SSH private keys: Careless Users: When users are authorized to use SSH public key authentication, they can be careless in their handling of their private keys, either placing them in insecure locations, copying them to multiple computers, and not protecting them with strong passwords.
Which is the most secure way to use SSH?
Enhance Linux SSH Security Using Key Pairs One of the most secure methods to authenticate clients to servers is by using SSH key pairs. Strong passwords may be sufficient to keep your server safe, but persistent brute force attacks can still crack them. This is why you need additional SSH hardening with key pairs.
Is a passphrase protected SSH private key a 2FA?
But it is not 2-factor. But if you want extra security provided by two-factor authentication in ssh, you can setup 2-factor authentication in ssh, preferably in addition to having it’s private key protected with passphrase. From the point of view of the service: No, a passphrase protected SSH private key is not multifactor authentication.
What are the authentication factors for SSH key?
Thus you have the following authentication factors: SSH Key (soft possession factor – copyable!) optional passphrase on the SSH Key, which is not controlled by the server! ( knowledge) OTP token supported by privacyIDEA like Google Authenticator or preferable a Yubikey (hard possession factor – not copyable)