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Using SSH Keys for Secure Access

Understanding the creation and exchange of SSH keys is a key concept to grasp as a System Administrator. In this lab, we will generate keys on two systems using the ssh-keygen utility and learn how to exchange and verify the keys with a remote system, using `ssh-copy-id` and associated key files on each. At the end of this lab, we will understand how to create secure keys for remote access, how to exchange them, and where to store them on each system involved in the chain.

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Path Info

Level
Clock icon Intermediate
Duration
Clock icon 15m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 31, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Generate a New SSH Key Pair for cloud_user on server1

    Using the ssh-keygen command, create a new key pair for the cloud_user user on server1:

    ssh-keygen

  2. Challenge

    Copy the SSH Key from server1 to server2

    Using the ssh-copy-id command, transfer the public key to the remote user's account:

    ssh-copy-id cloud_user@server2

  3. Challenge

    Log into server2 with SSH

    If the previous step was done correctly, we should be able to log into server2 without using a password:

    ssh cloud_user@server2

  4. Challenge

    Generate a New SSH Key Pair for cloud_user on server2

    Using the ssh-keygen command, create a new key pair for cloud_user user on server2:

    ssh-keygen

  5. Challenge

    Copy the SSH Key from server2 to server1 and login to server1

    Using the ssh-copy-id command, transfer the public key to the remote user's account and login without a password.

    ssh-copy-id server1
ssh server1
Pluralsight Skills - Labs - Pluralsight
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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