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Generate an SSH key pair and connect to hosting or VPS

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Using SSH keys is the recommended way to access a server because it is more secure than password authentication. An SSH key pair contains:

  • Public key – safe to upload to Plesk/VPS
  • Private key – stays on your device (never share it)

Generate an SSH key pair

Option A – macOS / Linux

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Run:
    ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your-email@example.com"
  3. Press Enter to accept the default path (~/.ssh/id_ed25519).
  4. Set a strong passphrase (recommended).

Your public key will be in ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub.

Option B – Windows 10/11 (PowerShell)

  1. Open PowerShell.
  2. Run:
    ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your-email@example.com"
  3. Save to the default location (usually C:\Users\<User>\.ssh\).
  4. Set a passphrase (recommended).

The public key is the file ending with .pub.

Option C – Windows (PuTTYgen)

  • If you use PuTTY, you can generate keys with PuTTYgen and export a private key in .ppk format.

Add the public key

Add the key to GARMTECH Hosting (Plesk)

  1. Log in to Plesk (open from My.GARMTECH).
  2. Open the section for SSH access / SSH Keys (location may vary by hosting plan).
  3. Paste the contents of your .pub file and save.

Add the key to a Linux VPS

  1. Connect to the VPS (initially you may use a password).
  2. Add your public key to the user’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file.
  3. Ensure permissions are correct: 
    chmod 700 ~/.ssh
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

Connect via SSH

Use the correct username and host:

  • Hosting: use the server hostname and SSH username from your service details in My.GARMTECH/Plesk.
  • VPS: use the VPS IP address and the Linux user (often root for initial access).

Example command:

ssh username@server-hostname

Troubleshooting

  • Permission denied: make sure you uploaded the public key, and you are connecting with the correct username.
  • Wrong key used: specify the key explicitly:
    ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 username@server-hostname
  • Do not share private keys: if your private key is exposed, generate a new key pair immediately.
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