How do I set up SSH keys for cPanel?
To securely access your cPanel account, using SSH keys is a highly recommended alternative to using your cPanel password. SSH keys offer a more robust layer of security compared to password-based authentication, which is particularly valuable in shared hosting environments.
SSH access is not enabled by default on cPanel hosting. However, if you have a Business or Reseller package, you can request SSH access to be activated for your account by submitting a support ticket or emailing helpdesk@elitehost.co.za. If you’re a reseller, please specify the cPanel username or domain for which SSH access is needed. Once enabled, you can proceed with setting up your SSH keys.
Login to cPanel
Access your cPanel account using your credentials.
Navigate to SSH Key Management
Go to SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys.
Generate a New SSH Key
Click Generate New Key.
Set a strong password for your key and store it securely.
Leave other settings as default, then click Generate Key.
Authorise the Key
Under Public Keys, click Manage next to your new key.
Click Authorize to enable the key for SSH access.
Go to SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys.
Under Private Keys, click View/Download.
Click Download Key
If you use PuTTY or another SSH client, you may need the key in .ppk format:
Go to SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys.
Under Private Keys, click View/Download.
Scroll to the section Convert the “id_rsa” key to PPK format.
Enter your password to unlock the key, then click Convert.
Click Download to save the .ppk file.
Open PuTTY and go to Connection > SSH > Auth.
Under Private Key File for Authentication, click Browse and select the downloaded .ppk file.
Following these steps will allow you to set up and manage SSH keys for secure access to your cPanel account. If you have questions or encounter issues, please reach out to our support team.
How do I get SSH access?
SSH access is not enabled by default on cPanel hosting. However, if you have a Business or Reseller package, you can request SSH access to be activated for your account by submitting a support ticket or emailing helpdesk@elitehost.co.za. If you’re a reseller, please specify the cPanel username or domain for which SSH access is needed. Once enabled, you can proceed with setting up your SSH keys.
Steps to Create a New SSH Key in cPanel
Login to cPanel
Access your cPanel account using your credentials.
Navigate to SSH Key Management
Go to SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys.
Generate a New SSH Key
Click Generate New Key.
Set a strong password for your key and store it securely.
Leave other settings as default, then click Generate Key.
Authorise the Key
Under Public Keys, click Manage next to your new key.
Click Authorize to enable the key for SSH access.
How to Download the Private Key for MacOS/Linux
Go to SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys.
Under Private Keys, click View/Download.
Click Download Key
How to Download the Private Key in ppk format for PuTTY
If you use PuTTY or another SSH client, you may need the key in .ppk format:
Go to SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys.
Under Private Keys, click View/Download.
Scroll to the section Convert the “id_rsa” key to PPK format.
Enter your password to unlock the key, then click Convert.
Click Download to save the .ppk file.
Importing the SSH Key into PuTTY
Open PuTTY and go to Connection > SSH > Auth.
Under Private Key File for Authentication, click Browse and select the downloaded .ppk file.
Following these steps will allow you to set up and manage SSH keys for secure access to your cPanel account. If you have questions or encounter issues, please reach out to our support team.
Updated on: 25/10/2024
Thank you!