Windows SSH Authentication Setup Guide

Introduction

I’ll guide you through setting up SSH key authentication for accessing our CS server (cs-ssh.uwf.edu). This method is both more secure and convenient than traditional password authentication, eliminating the need to enter your password each time you connect.

Key Concepts

Public Key Authentication

SSH key authentication uses a pair of cryptographic keys:

  • Public Key: Like a padlock that you can freely share. It’s placed on the server you want to access.

  • Private Key: Like the unique key that opens your padlock. Must be kept secret and secure on your computer.

Benefits

  • Increased security through cryptographic strength

  • No need to remember or type passwords

  • Protection against brute-force attacks

  • Automated secure file transfers and remote operations

Installing OpenSSH on Windows

… note::

Pre-installed on classroom computers.

Verify Installation

Open Command Prompt or PowerShell and type:

ssh -V

This should display the OpenSSH version number.

Generating SSH Key Pair

  1. Open Command Prompt or PowerShell

  2. Generate the key pair:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@uwf.edu"

  1. When prompted for file location, press Enter to accept the default:

    • Default location: C:\Users\YourUsername\.ssh\id_ed25519

  2. Optional: Enter a passphrase (recommended) or press Enter twice for no passphrase

Installing Public Key on Remote Server

Method 1: Using PowerShell

type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub | ssh your_username@cs-ssh.uwf.edu "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys"

Method 2: Manual Copy-Paste

  1. Open your public key file:

  2. Copy the entire content

  3. Paste it at the end of the `

Testing SSH Connection

In your powershell terminal:

ssh your_username@cs-ssh.uwf.edu

You should connect without being prompted for a password.

Best Practices

  1. Key Management:

    • Keep private key secure

    • Never share private key

    • Use a strong passphrase

    • Back up .ssh folder

Additional Resources