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====== Understanding SSH Key Pairs ====== ====== Understanding SSH Key Pairs ======
 +In every SSH/SFTP connection, there are four keys (or two key pairs) involved. This article explains the difference between them and what keys an %%SFTP%% client user needs to care about.
-When you connect to a server using SSH or SFTP (for example, using Git or WinSCP), there are *four* important keys being used. These are called “key pairs” — which means two keys that work together.+The %%SSH%% employs public key cryptography. A [[wp>Public-key_cryptography|public-key cryptography]], also known as asymmetric cryptography, is a class of cryptographic algorithms which requires two separate keys, one of which is secret (or private) and one of which is public.((&wikipedia_ref(Public-key_cryptography|Public-key cryptography))) Together they are known as a key pair. In %%SSH%%, the public key cryptography is used in both directions (client to server and server to client), so two key pairs are used. One key pair is known as a host (server) key, and the other is a user (client) key.
-This guide explains each of these keys in simple terms and helps you understand which ones you, as a user, need to know about.+===== User Private Key ===== 
 +A //user private key// is a key kept secret by the %%SSH%% user on their client machine. The user must never reveal the private key to anyone, including the server (server administrator), not to compromise their identity.
------+To protect the private key, it should be generated locally on a user's machine (e.g. using [[ui_puttygen|PuTTYgen]]) and stored encrypted by a passphrase. The passphrase should be long enough (that's why it's called passphrase, not password) to withstand a [[wp>Brute-force_attack|brute-force attack]] for a reasonably long time, in case an attacker obtains the private key file.
-### 🔐 What is Public Key Cryptography?+Different file formats are used to store private keys. WinSCP supports PuTTY format, with the ''.ppk'' extension.
-SSH uses something called [[wp>Public-key_cryptography|public key cryptography]], also known as *asymmetric cryptography*. ((&wikipedia_ref(Public-key_cryptography|Public-key cryptography))) It’s a type of security system that works with **two different keys**:+===== User Public Key ===== 
 +A user public key is a counterpart to //user private key//. They are generated at the same time. The //user public key// can be safely revealed to anyone, without compromising user identity.
-- A **private key**: This must always be kept secret. +To allow user authorization on a server, the user's public key is registered on the server. In the most widespread %%SSH%% server implementation, the OpenSSH, file ''~/.ssh/authorized_keys'' is used for that.
-- A **public key**: This can be shared with others.+
-These two keys are created as a **pair** and work together.+//Learn more about [[public_key|public key authentication]] in general and how to [[guide_public_key|setup authentication with public keys]].//
-Here’s how it works: +===== Host Private Key ===== 
-- One person locks the message with the public key. +A //host private key// is generated when the %%SSH%% server is set up. It is safely stored in a location that should be accessible by a server administrator only. The user connecting to the %%SSH%% server does not need to care about //host private key// in general.
-- Only the matching private key can unlock it.+
-This means you can safely share the public key, and people can send you messages that only *you* can unlock using your private key. +===== Host Public Key ===== 
- +A //host public key// is a counterpart to //host private key//. They are generated at the same time. The //host public key// can be safely revealed to anyone, without compromising the host's identity.
-In SSH, this key system is used in *both directions*: +
-1. The **user** (you) proves their identity to the server. +
-2. The **server** proves it is real to the user. +
- +
-So there are **two pairs of keys** involved: +
-- One key pair belongs to the **server** (called a host key). +
-- One key pair belongs to the **user** (you). +
- +
-Let’s look at each of the four keys. +
- +
------ +
- +
-===== 🧍‍♂️ User Private Key ===== +
- +
-This is your personal secret key. It is saved on your computer and should **never be shared** with anyone — not even with the server admin. This key proves **you are really you** when you connect to the server. +
- +
-- You create the private key on your own computer using a tool like [[ui_puttygen|PuTTYgen]]. +
-- It should be **protected by a passphrase** — which is like a very strong password. +
-  - The passphrase makes the key safer, so even if someone steals your private key file, they still can’t use it. +
-  - Make sure your passphrase is long and hard to guess (this is why it’s called a *passphrase*, not just a password). +
- +
-There are different formats for private key files. If you're using **WinSCP**, it uses the PuTTY format, which ends in `.ppk`. +
- +
-🔒 **Remember**: Never share your private key. Keep it safe and protected. +
- +
------ +
- +
-===== 📢 User Public Key ===== +
- +
-This is the matching key to your private key. It’s created at the same time. Unlike the private key, this **can be shared with others** — it’s safe to send your public key to a server. +
- +
-When you want to log into a server using SSH or SFTP: +
-- The server needs your **public key** to recognize you. +
-- You (the user) send the public key to the server admin. +
-- The server stores your public key in a file called `~/.ssh/authorized_keys`. +
- +
-This lets the server say: “Yes, this person’s private key matches the public key I have — they are allowed to connect.” +
- +
-This system is called *public key authentication*. It lets you log in without entering your password every time, and it's much more secure than using passwords. +
- +
->> Want to learn more? Read about [[public_key|public key authentication]] and how to [[guide_public_key|set it up properly]]. +
- +
------ +
- +
-===== 🖥️ Host Private Key ===== +
- +
-This private key belongs to the **server** (not you). +
- +
-- It’s created when the server is first set up. +
-- It is stored in a protected folder on the server. +
-- Only the **server admin** should have access to this key. +
- +
-As a user, you do **not** need to worry about the host private key. You will never use or see it. +
- +
-The server uses it to prove its identity to your computer, just like you use your private key to prove your identity to the server. +
- +
------ +
- +
-===== 🌐 Host Public Key ===== +
- +
-This is the public version of the server’s private key. +
- +
-- It is safe for you (the user) to see and store. +
-- It helps your computer verify that it is connecting to the **correct server**. +
- +
-When you connect to a server for the first time, your SSH tool (like Git Bash, VS Code terminal, or WinSCP) will show you the server’s **host public key**. This is your chance to **make sure the key is correct**. +
- +
-Usually: +
-- You get this key from the server admin or website in advance. +
-- You compare the key you see with the key you were given. +
-- If it matches, you can save and trust the connection. +
- +
-Once your system saves the host public key, it will automatically check it every time you connect again. If the key ever changes, your computer will show a warning — this could mean the server changed, or it might be a sign of a security issue (like someone trying to trick you). +
- +
-So: +
-- First connection: You approve the host public key. +
-- Next connections: It’s auto-checked. +
-- If it changes: You get a warning. +
- +
-You can read more about this here: [[faq_hostkey|Host key FAQs]] and how to [[ssh_verifying_the_host_key|verify and accept a server key]]. +
- +
------ +
- +
-### ✅ Summary (in simple points) +
- +
-- SSH uses **two key pairs**: one for you (the user), and one for the server. +
-- Each pair has a **private key** (kept secret) and a **public key** (can be shared). +
-- Your **private key** stays on your computer, locked with a strong passphrase. +
-- Your **public key** is given to the server so you can log in securely. +
-- The server’s **host key** helps your computer know it’s connecting to the right server. +
- +
-Always keep your private key safe. Never share it. If you're not sure about a key, **ask** before you accept it.+
 +To allow authorizing the host to the user, the user should be [[faq_hostkey|provided with host public key in advance]], before connecting. The client application typically prompts the user with //host public key// on the first connection to allow the user to [[ssh_verifying_the_host_key|verify/authorize the key]]. The //host public key// is then saved and verified automatically on further connections. The client application warns the user if the host key changes.

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