More secure and more convenient than passwords.
GENERATING A KEY
In cPanel > SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys > Generate a New Key. Choose a strong passphrase.
Or generate one on your own computer and import the public key here, which is preferable since the private key never touches the server.
AUTHORISING IT
After generating or importing, the public key must be authorised. Use the Manage option beside the key and authorise it. A key that exists but is not authorised does not work, and this catches people out.
DOWNLOADING THE PRIVATE KEY
If generated in cPanel, download the private key and store it securely on your own machine. Set its permissions to 600 or SSH refuses to use it.
CONNECTING WITH IT
Specify the key file when connecting. Configure it in your SSH config file so you do not have to specify it every time.
FOR WINDOWS AND PUTTY
PuTTY uses its own key format. Convert the private key using PuTTYgen before use.
SECURITY
Always use a passphrase. A private key without one is a password written on a note. Never share a private key. Each person generates their own.
