#Generate ssh on mac how to
#Generate ssh on mac mac

We’ve discussed the basic components of the ssh-keygen command however, in some cases, you may wish to perform other functions.

#Generate ssh on mac mac

Useful Commands to Know When Creating an SSH Key on Mac When generating your SSH key, ensure that you enter the desired algorithm type following the -t command.

Related: Common Encryption Types and Why You Shouldn’t Make Your Own Keys are only 256 bits long while still providing high level security. Apple itself uses this authentication method in some instances, including during communication between certain devices. Ed25519: An emerging algorithm, Ed25519 improves on the security and performance of previous key types.Supported key sizes are 256, 384, and 521 bits. ECDSA: A newer algorithm, ECDSA provides a similar level of security to RSA but with shorter keys, translating to quicker performance.Length is strength, and you’ll want to create a key of 2048 or 4096 bits, with the former being sufficient and the latter being ideal. RSA: A widely supported algorithm, RSA is a strong choice for many situations.We’ll list the most common SSH key types here and explain the characteristics of each one: Firstly, you should confirm which variation your hosting platform, service, or other party recommends before creating your access credentials. The ssh-keygen command allows you to generate several key types and sizes that use varying algorithms. A strong encryption algorithm with a good sized key will be most effective at keeping your data safe. If you exclude -b, ssh-keygen will use the default number of bits for the key type you’ve selected. The desired algorithm follows the -t command, and the required key length comes after the -b input. We’ll discuss variations later, but here’s an example of what a typical ssh-keygen command should look like: Enter the ssh-keygen command with the desired parameters. Launch Terminal from Applications > Utilities or by doing a Spotlight Search.

The steps for generating an SSH key in macOS are as follows: Related: What Is SSH and What Does It Stand For? For more information on these concepts, refer to later sections of this guide. During creation, you can specify the algorithm used, length in bits, and other features of your key. With the ssh-keygen command you can perform all the functions necessary to generate an SSH key that’s complete and ready to use.

#Generate ssh on mac how to

How to Generate an SSH Key Using SSH-Keygen Access credentials have become an important part of online security, and macOS and the Terminal app make generating an SSH Key simple. Secure Shell (SSH) is an encryption protocol that allows you to send data securely by pairing a public key with a private match.Ī variety of situations, including remotely accessing a server or adding security to a Git hosting platform, could require you to generate your own key. Tight online security has become mandatory for many of us, and, as malicious operators get smarter, tools and protections must get stronger to keep up.