How do I create SSH keys on my VPS?

First, create an SSH user and login to your VPS by following these instructions.

Once you've logged into the VPS type this command:

ssh-keygen

Follow the prompts. 

Done.

Your SSH keys will live in your ~username/.ssh/id_rsa directory

If you'd like to set up passwordless authentication you'll next want to

  • Create an authorized_keys file in your ~username/.ssh/id_rsa directory.
  • Paste your public ssh key (from your computer) into the ~username/.ssh/authorized_keys file that you just created
  • Lock down the permissions so that only your account can read the contents of your authorized_key file by running: chmod 700 ~username/.ssh/authorized_keys

Done.

You should now be able to SSH into your server without a password from your own computer by running this command: ssh username@yourvpsaddress.com

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