Using SSH Keys to Securely Access Your AVIOX Cloud Server

A Complete Guide for Beginners & Professionals

Secure access is a critical part of server management. One of the safest ways to connect to your AVIOX Cloud VPS is by using SSH keys. They provide stronger protection than passwords and significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

This guide explains what SSH keys are, why they matter, and how to use them to log in to your AVIOX Cloud server.

1. What Are SSH Keys?

SSH keys are cryptographic key pairs used for secure authentication. They replace traditional passwords and offer a much higher level of security.

Each SSH key pair includes:

• Public Key (stored on the server)

• Private Key (kept safely on your device)

When you try to connect, the server checks whether your private key matches the stored public key. If they match, access is granted — without needing a password.

2. Why Use SSH Keys Instead of Passwords?

✔ Stronger Security

Passwords can be guessed or brute-forced. SSH keys cannot.

✔ No Need to Type Passwords

Once set up, you log in instantly.

✔ Protection Against Unauthorized Access

Even if someone knows your username, they still can’t log in without the private key.

✔ Recommended for All AVIOX Cloud Servers

AVIOX encourages SSH key authentication for all Linux VPS deployments.

3. Creating an SSH Key Pair

On Linux & macOS

Open your terminal and run:

Then press Enter three times to accept default settings.

Your keys are stored in:

On Windows (Using PuTTYgen)

1. Download and open PuTTYgen.

2. Select RSA and click Generate.

3. Save:

   • Public key

   • Private key (.ppk file)

4. Adding Your Public Key to Your AVIOX Cloud Server

Option 1: Add During VPS Deployment

In AVIOX Cloud panel → Add Server
You can paste your public key (id_rsa.pub) before deployment.

This creates instant passwordless login.

Option 2: Add After Deployment

If your server is already running:

1. Connect using SSH with your password:

    

   ssh root@your-server-ip

2. Create the SSH directory:

    

   mkdir -p ~/.ssh

3. Add your public key:

    

   nano ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

4. Paste the full public key from your device.

5. Set correct permissions:

    

   chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys chmod 700 ~/.ssh

5. Logging into Your Server Using SSH Keys

Linux/macOS

Windows (PuTTY)

1. Open PuTTY

2. Enter your server IP

3. Go to Connection → SSH → Auth

4. Select your .ppk private key

5. Connect

6. Disable Password Authentication (Recommended)

Once SSH keys work, secure your server further by disabling password login.

1. Edit SSH configuration:

    

   nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

2. Find and update these lines:

    

   PasswordAuthentication no PermitRootLogin prohibit-password

3. Restart SSH:

    

   systemctl restart sshd

Now only your private key can access the server.

7. Best Practices for SSH Key Security

• Never share your private key.

• Protect it with a passphrase.

• Back it up securely.

• Disable root login if not required.

• Use 4096-bit RSA or Ed25519 keys for maximum security.

• Regularly audit your authorized keys.

8. Conclusion

Using SSH keys is one of the most reliable ways to protect your AVIOX Cloud server from unauthorized access. They provide encryption-level security and eliminate the weaknesses of passwords.

Whether you are managing web applications, databases, or enterprise workloads, SSH key authentication ensures your server remains secure, fast, and easy to access.