How to configure SSH and increase server security

In a very connected digital landscape today, maintaining server security is very important for IT professionals, developers, and business owners. Secure Shell (SSH) is a mainstay technology that offers encrypted access to network devices, protecting sensitive data from invalid access. SSH is far superior to old protocols such as telnet, which sends information in the form of ordinary text, so it is vulnerable to intersection.

This article is a comprehensive guide for understanding and configuring SSH, exploring its security features, applications in the real world, and step -by -step instructions for its preparation. Whether you manage the server for a small e-commerce store or manage the company’s class network system, adopting SSH is an important step towards safer infrastructure.

Why SSH is important for a safe network

Problem with telnet

Telnet, the old protocol to access devices from a distance, has significant security weaknesses. Operating on the TCP 23 port, Telnet sends data, including passwords, in the form of ordinary text, making it easier for attackers to intercept it using tools like Wireshark. Although telnet can still be used in isolated local networks, this protocol is not suitable for long distance access through the internet, especially in an environment that prioritizes security today.

Examples of scenarios:
Imagine you an IT administrator in India who tries to access the router in your company’s office in Australia using Telnet. Through the internet, any evil actor who monitors traffic can intercept your commands and credentials. This makes Telnet not suitable for safe long distance communication.

How ssh broke the problem

SSH (Secure Shell) Overcoming this vulnerability by encrypting all data sent, so that it cannot be read by the unauthorized party. Operating on the TCP 22 port, SSH uses sophisticated cryptographic algorithms such as RSA to ensure safe communication. This encryption not only protects data but also verifies the authenticity of the client and server before making a connection.

Main SSH features:

Encryption: Turning ordinary text into an unreadable format using a button.
Authentication: Ensure that only official users can access the server.
Portability: Compatible with various operating systems, from Windows to Linux.
Universal use cases: Used to manage routers, access VM Cloud, and more.

How to Configure SSH: Step Guide

Preparing SSH involving several easy steps. The following is a detailed guide specifically designed for network professionals and IT teams.

Step 1: Determine the Host Name and Domain Name

SSH requires a unique host name and domain name to produce RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) keys for encryption.

Router access or your device.
Determine the name of the host:
```
nama host R1   
```
Determine the domain name:
```
nama domain ip nwkings.com   
```

Step 2: Produce RSA Key

RSA is a cryptographic algorithm that is widely used that allows safe communication by producing a pair of keys (public and private).

Enter the following command:
```
pembangkit kunci kripto rsa   
```
Determine the key size. General options include:
- 512 bits: Basic encryption (faster but less safe).
- 1024 bit: Recommended as a balance between security and performance.
- 2048 or 4096 bits: The highest security but can affect performance because of the larger package size.
  Example:
```
pembangkitan kunci kripto modulus rsa 1024   
```

Step 3: Create a Local User Name and Password

Local authentication credentials must be prepared for SSH access.

Use the following command to create a user name and password:
```
nama pengguna admin kata sandi securePassword123   
```

Step 4: Activate SSH on the Virtual Terminal Pathway

VTY (Virtual Terminal Lines) allows some users to connect simultaneously. SSH needs to be explicitly activated here.

Enter the VTY path configuration mode:
```
baris vty 0 4   
```
(This allows up to 5 users to connect simultaneously.)
Configure authentication using local credentials:
```
masuk lokal   
```
Activate SSH when deactivating telnet for additional security:
```
masukan transportasi ssh   
```

Step 5: Set the password activate for special access

To prevent unauthorized access to special mode, set a safe activation password.

aktifkan rahasia StrongAdminPassword123

Step 6: Verification of SSH Configuration

Check whether SSH is activated:
```
tampilkan ssh   
```
SSH connectivity test using clients like Putty. Connect to the server using the IP address and port 22.

SSH Encryption Work Method: Simple Survey

SSH uses a combination of public and private keys to build safe communication. The following is a brief explanation:

Key exchange: The server sends the public key to the client.
Session Agreement: Both parties agreed on the encryption session using a public key.
Authentication: The client proves his identity using his private key.
Safe communication: After being authenticated, data is sent safely through encrypted sessions.

For example, during a safe SSH session, passwords such as “Admin123” may be encrypted into strings like “A7F9B2C4”, so that it cannot be read by anyone who taps the communication.

Telnet vs. SSH: Main Difference

Feature	Telnet	SSH
Encryption	No (ordinary text)	Yes (Encryption tip to end)
Authentication	Base	Continued (RSA key, etc.)
Port number	23	22
Security	Vulnerable to attacks	Very peaceful
Case of use	Inheritance system	Modern infrastructure

SSH application in the real world

Access cloud instances: SSH is widely used to manage virtual machines on platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Network device management: The IT team uses SSH to configure the router and switch safely.
Safe file transfer: Protocols such as SCP (Secure Copy) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) are built on SSH.

Main points

SSH is a must -have protocol for safe distance access to the server and network device.
RSA encryption ensures data protection, Making SSH is far superior to Telnet.
Configuration involves five main steps: Determine the host name and domain name, create a RSA key, prepare local credentials, activate SSH, and verify the settings.
Telnet must be fully avoided For connections facing the internet due to lack of encryption.
SSH supports a universal use case, from cloud computing to network management.
Use tools like Putty or Openssh client to test and make sure the SSH connection is safe.

Conclusion

SSH is a mainstay technology for safe encryption communication in the IT and Modern Network. By following the configuration guide step by step above, you can make sure your server and network device are protected from invalid access. Whether you are building cloud infrastructure or managing a local system, SSH provides reliable solutions to protect data and maintain operational security.

Understanding and implementing SSH is not just the best practice – this is a necessity for anyone who is serious in maintaining security in the world that is connected. By replacing the old protocol like Telnet, you can improve server management to meet the demands of the current cyber threat landscape.

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

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