Ssh Cheatsheet

SSH (Secure Shell) provides encrypted communication between computers. The basic command syntax allows you to connect to remote servers with various authentication methods and connection options.

SSH configuration files control client and server behavior. Client configs determine connection parameters, while server configs define access policies and security settings. Understanding these files is essential for customizing SSH behavior.

SSH keys provide a more secure alternative to password authentication. Key management involves generating, distributing, and maintaining SSH key pairs for secure access to remote systems.

SSH supports multiple authentication methods that can be used individually or combined for enhanced security. Public key authentication is generally preferred over password authentication for its security benefits and automation capabilities.

ssh-agent is a program that holds private keys used for SSH public key authentication. It runs in the background, eliminating the need to repeatedly enter passphrases for encrypted keys during SSH sessions.

SSH port forwarding creates secure tunnels to redirect traffic between systems. This allows accessing services behind firewalls, encrypting insecure protocols, and bypassing network restrictions by routing traffic through SSH connections.

SSH connection management involves techniques to maintain, optimize, and control SSH sessions. These features help improve reliability, efficiency, and usability when working with remote connections, especially in high-latency or unstable network environments.

SSH proxy and jump hosts provide secure ways to access systems in restricted networks. They allow connections through intermediate servers, enabling access to hosts that aren't directly reachable while maintaining security and audit trails.

SSH provides several methods for securely transferring files between systems. These utilities leverage SSH's encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure data is transferred securely over potentially untrusted networks.

SSH allows executing commands on remote servers without logging in interactively. This enables automation, scripting, and remote administration tasks with the same security benefits as regular SSH connections.