"Creating SSH Keys"

SSH keys provide secure access to your virtual machines, replacing password-based authentication with more secure cryptographic keys. At least one SSH key is required for VM deployment.

To create a new SSH key:

Navigate to SSH Keys

Navigate to the SSH Keys page from the sidebar

Initiate Creation

Click "Create Key" button

Name Your Key

Enter a descriptive name for the key (maximum 50 characters):

Names must contain only letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, and periods

Use descriptive names like "my-project-key" or "development-server"

Choose names that help identify the key's purpose

Generate Key

Click "Create Key" to generate the keypair:

System automatically generates a secure 2048-bit RSA public/private key pair

Private key file will automatically download to your computer

Public key is stored in your account for VM deployment

Key Generation Features

Automatic Generation Process

Secure Generation

Cryptographic Security

2048-bit RSA encryption for strong security

Cryptographically secure random generation

Industry-standard key format

Compatible with all SSH clients and servers

Instant Download

Secure Key Delivery

Private key automatically downloads during creation

Download happens only once for security

File is named with your chosen key name

Ready to use immediately with proper permissions

Platform Integration

Seamless Integration

Multi-Region Distribution

Critical Security Notice

Private Key Handling

Immediate Download

Private key downloads automatically upon creation

Secure Storage

Move the downloaded key to a secure location (e.g., ~/.ssh/)

Set Permissions

Set correct file permissions for security

Create Backup

Create encrypted backups of important private keys

Setting Private Key Permissions

After downloading your private key file, you must set the correct permissions for security:

Linux/MacOS

Windows

Set Secure Permissions

Example:

This command ensures only you can read and write the file, which is required for SSH security.

Key Naming Requirements

Naming Rules and Validation

Character Requirements

Length and Uniqueness

Best Practices

Key Limits and Restrictions

Account Limitations

Quantity Limits

Key Count Restrictions

Maximum of 25 SSH keys per region

Keys automatically distributed to all regions

Limit applies to total keys across account

Delete unused keys to free quota

Technical Specifications

Key Specifications

Generated keys use 2048-bit RSA encryption

Industry-standard OpenSSH format

Compatible with all major SSH clients

Suitable for all security requirements

Key Management Best Practices

Plan Key Usage

Determine how many keys you need

Plan separate keys for different purposes

Consider team access requirements

Plan for key rotation schedules

Use Descriptive Names

Choose names that indicate key purpose

Include environment or project identifiers

Avoid generic or temporary names

Document key purposes and usage

Secure Key Storage

Store private keys in secure locations

Use encrypted storage for backups

Set proper file permissions

Never share private keys

Regular Maintenance

Review and audit key usage regularly

Remove unused or unnecessary keys

Rotate keys based on security policies

Monitor key access and usage patterns

Using Created SSH Keys

VM Deployment Integration

Automatic Selection

Multi-Key Deployment

Connection Examples

Once your key is created and VM is deployed:

Basic Connection

SSH Config

Troubleshooting

Standard SSH Connection

Parameters:

-i specifies the private key file

ubuntu is the username (varies by OS)

vm-ip-address is your VM's public IP

Key Security Best Practices

Generation Security

Strong Generation

Secure Key Creation

Always use platform-generated keys for maximum security

2048-bit RSA provides excellent security for most use cases

Keys generated using cryptographically secure random sources

No need to generate keys manually unless specifically required

Unique Keys

Key Separation

Generate separate keys for different projects or environments

Use different keys for production and development

Consider separate keys for different team members

Avoid reusing keys across multiple purposes

Storage Security

Local Storage

Backup Strategy

Access Control

Troubleshooting Key Creation

Common Issues

Download Problems

Naming Issues

Account Limits

Private Key Download Issues

Browser Settings: Check popup blockers and download settings

Antivirus: Verify antivirus isn't blocking downloads

Storage Space: Ensure sufficient disk space for download

Permissions: Check browser download folder permissions

Error Resolution

Identify the Issue

Read error messages carefully

Check browser console for technical errors

Verify account status and limits

Test with different browsers if needed

Apply Appropriate Solution

Address specific error conditions

Clear browser cache if needed

Try alternative download methods

Contact support for persistent issues

Verify Success

Confirm private key downloaded successfully

Check key appears in SSH keys list

Test key with VM deployment

Verify key functionality with test connection

Secure the Key

Set proper file permissions immediately

Move key to secure location

Create backup if key is important

Document key purpose and usage

Key Generation Features#

Automatic Generation Process#

Platform Integration#

Critical Security Notice#

Private Key Handling#

Setting Private Key Permissions#

Key Naming Requirements#

Naming Rules and Validation#

Key Limits and Restrictions#

Account Limitations#

Key Management Best Practices#

Using Created SSH Keys#

VM Deployment Integration#

Connection Examples#

Key Security Best Practices#

Generation Security#

Storage Security#

Troubleshooting Key Creation#

Common Issues#

Error Resolution#