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SSH Keys

An SSH Key is a secure method of logging into your virtual machines without using a password. It uses a "Key Pair" system to provide strong, cryptographically secure access.

What is an SSH Key?

Instead of remembering a password, you generate a pair of keys: a Private Key (which you keep secret on your computer) and a PublicKey (which you register in the platform). When you create a virtual machine, the platform injects your Public Key into the VM's security settings. You can then use your Private Key to log in securely.

Key Benefits

  • Stronger Security: Unlike passwords, SSH keys are nearly impossible to "brute-force" or guess.
  • Convenience: You can use the same SSH key to access all of your virtual machines across different projects and infrastructures.
  • Automation: SSH keys are essential for automating tasks on your VMs using tools like Ansible, Terraform, or simple scripts.

Interactions

SSH keys are primarily used during the initial setup of your workloads:

  • Virtual Machines: You select an SSH key during the creation of a VM. This allows you to gain "Root" or "Admin" access immediately after the VM boots up for the first time.
  • Infrastructure: You can import existing SSH keys from your cloud infrastructure or create new ones directly within the platform.