Complete Guide to the SSH Configuration for Server Security

In the current digital landscape, securing long distance access to server and network devices is an important priority for business and IT teams. Telnet (Tnet) used to be a popular choice for access to long distance devices, but lack of encryption makes sensitive data vulnerable to intersection. Use Secure Shell (SSH), cryptographic network protocols designed to protect your connection with strong encryption, ensure data security and important credentials. This article discusses the basics of SSH, explaining its superiority compared to Telnet, the configuration process, and insight into the underlying security mechanism.

What is SSH, and why is that important?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic protocol that allows users to access and manage network devices safely. By encrypting communication between the client and the server, SSH ensures that data is sensitive, including login credentials and configuration commands, cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized parties. This protocol operates on Port 22 and widely regarded as an industrial standard for safe long distance connections.

What distinguishes SSH from Telnet?

Telnet, although it can be accessed remotely, sends data in the form of ordinary text, so it is very vulnerable to the interception by perpetrators of crime. SSH overcomes this vulnerability by using encryption algorithms, such as RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman), to protect the data being sent. The following is a brief comparison:

EncryptionTelnet has no encryption, while SSH encrypts all data sent.
Port number: Telnet uses port 23; SSH uses port 22.
SecurityTelnet connection is seen on tools such as wireshark, which allows the attacker to intercept passwords and commands. SSH encrypts this communication, so that interception is in vain.

In short, Telnet may still have limited use for internal networks, but SSH is a preferred solution to secure connections via the internet or in high -risk environments.

Step by step guide to configure SSH

Configuring SSH on network devices, such as routers, involving several steps. Each step ensures the safety and functionality of the connection, so it is ready for applications in the real world.

Step 1: Set the host name

First, set Host name to the device. The name of the host is a key component in producing an encryption key needed for safe communication.

nama host R1

Step 2: Set a domain name

Next, define a Domain name for the device. This, combined with the name of the host, is used to create an RSA encryption key.

contoh nama domain ip.com

Step 3: Produce RSA Key

SSH relies on RSA encryption to secure communication. Use the following command to create a RSA key:

pembangkit kunci kripto rsa

The system will ask you to determine the key size in beets (for example, 512, 1024, 2048, or 4096). Larger keys offer stronger encryption but can affect performance due to an increase in package size. The general choice is 1024 bitwhich balances security and efficiency.

Step 4: Create a user name and password

Determine the username and local password for authentication. This step ensures only the authorized users can access the device.

nama pengguna admin kata sandi securepassword

Step 5: Configure Virtual Terminal Pathway (VTY)

The VTY path controls remote access to the device. Configure this path to activate SSH and limit other protocols (for example, telnet).

baris vty 0 4 login transportasi lokal masukan ssh

Here:

baris vty 0 4 allow until 5 Simultaneous connections.
masuk lokal inform the device to use a database of a local username/password.
masukan transportasi ssh determine that only SSH connections are permitted.

Step 6: Activate a special fashion password

Finally, set Activate secrets Password to secure special access to the device.

aktifkan kata sandi rahasia yang kuat

Verify configuration

After completing the settings, verify whether SSH is functioning correctly. Use the following command to check the details:

Show the current SSH configuration:
```
tampilkan ssh 
```
List of connected users:
```
menunjukkan pengguna 
```

This command displays an active SSH connection and confirms that your configuration operates.

How ssh protects data safely

In essence, SSH uses encryption to ensure confidentiality and data integrity between client and server. Here’s how it works:

Key exchange: When the client starts the connection, the server sends public key to the client.
Key agreement session: Clients and servers agree on Key sessionwhich is used to encrypt data.
Authentication: The client is managing himself using user name/password or a personal key.
Encryption in action: After being authenticated, all data sent between the client and the server is encrypted using the session key.

By using this process, SSH ensures that even though the data package is intercepted, the information cannot be understood by unauthorized users.

SSH application in the real world

SSH is a multipurpose protocol used in various scenarios, in addition to simply accessing routers or switches. Some applications in the real world include:

Access cloud agencies: SSH is important for managing virtual machines (VM) on platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Transfer files safe: Using tools like Indonesian: SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), SSH allows safe uploading and downloading files.
Automatic task: Developers and IT teams use SSH to run scripts and automate tasks on long distance servers.
Network administration: SSH allows administrators to solve problems, configure, and monitor the device safely.

Main points

SSH is important for security: Unlike Telnet, SSH encrypts all communication, making it an industrial standard for safe distance access.
Easy to configure: Preparing SSH involving simple steps such as setting the name of the host, making RSA keys, and configuring the VTY path.
RSA is his backboneRSA encryption ensures data confidentiality using a combination of public and private key.
Cases of multipurpose use: From Cloud Server Management to File Transfer, SSH is an important tool for IT professionals.
Configuration verification: Always test your SSH settings using commands like tampilkan ssh And menunjukkan pengguna To ensure that everything works as expected.
Telnet is out of date: Avoid using telnet for external or sensitive connections due to lack of encryption.

Conclusion

SSH is a basic technology for safe distance device management. Its strong encrypting capabilities, ease of configuration, and flexibility makes it very important for the IT team, developers, and business owners. By following the best steps and practice described, you can confirm to apply SSH to protect your network devices and systems, ensure the safety and peace of mind in the current digital era. As your progress in the technical journey, mastering SSH will be an important skill, which underlies your ability to manage and secure complex IT infrastructure.

Source: “Complete Guide: How to Configure SSH and Improve Server Security” – Network Kings, Youtube, August 22, 2025 –

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