Imagine having a secure digital key that unlocks the doors to your server from anywhere in the world!
Yes, there is such a thing!
That’s what SSH (Secure Shell) does!
SSH is a powerful tool for administrators, developers, and tech enthusiasts to manage servers remotely. This detailed guide will show you how to log into SSH using password authentication, making the process simple and beginner-friendly.
Let’s dive in and connect you to your server in no time!
Before we start the process, let’s know the prerequisites to make this happen!
★Prerequisites
1. You need access to a server with SSH enabled
2. You require a valid username and password for the server.
3. Most Important An SSH client:
a. For Windows: Use tools like PuTTY or OpenSSH in PowerShell.
b. For Linux/Mac: SSH is pre-installed and accessible via the terminal.
Steps to Log into SSH Using Password Authentication
➢ On Windows
1. Using Command Prompt in Windows
➔ You have to open ‘Command Prompt’ first. Start by pressing ‘Win + R’
➔ Type ‘cmd,’ and press ‘Enter.’ This will launch the Windows Command Prompt.
➔ In that, enter the following SSH Command.
| ssh username@hostname_or_IP_address |
★ Replace ‘username’ with your SSH username (e.g., root or admin).
★ Replace ‘hostname_or_IP_address’ with the server’s domain name or IP address.
Example:
| ssh root@192.168.1.100 |
➔ The first time you connect to a server, you will see a message similar to this:
| The authenticity of host ‘192.168.1.100 (192.168.1.100)’ can’t be established. RSA key fingerprint is SHA256:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? |
*This is the server’s SSH key fingerprint, a unique identifier for security purposes.
➔ To proceed, type ‘yes’ and press ‘ENTER.’
➔ After confirming the fingerprint, you will be prompted to enter the password.
➔ Type the password associated with your username and press ‘ENTER.’
*Note: The password will not appear as you type for security purposes.
➔ If the connection is successful, you’ll see a command-line output similar to this:
| [user@hostname ~]$ |
This indicates you are now logged into the server and can execute commands.
Once connected, you will get a welcome message on the screen.
Also Read: How to check Reboot and Shutdown logs in Windows server?
2. Using Powershell in Windows
➔ To open Powershell, start by pressing ‘Win + S,’
➔ Type ‘PowerShell’ and select ‘Windows PowerShell’ from the search results.
➔ Verify that the SSH client is installed by typing.
| ssh |
➔ In that, enter the following SSH Command.
| ssh username@hostname_or_IP_address |
★ Replace ‘username’ with your SSH username (e.g., root or admin).
★ Replace ‘hostname_or_IP_address’ with the server’s domain name or IP address.
Example:
| ssh root@192.168.1.100 |
➔ If the server uses a custom port (not the default port 22), include it using the -p flag:
| ssh -p custom_port_number username@hostname_or_IP_address |
➔ When prompted, enter the password for the username you specified.
*Note: The password input will remain invisible (no characters or dots will appear for security reasons).
Once connected, you will get a welcome message on the screen.
Also Read: Configure Windows Firewall to Allow Only Specific IPs For Port Connection
3. Using PuTTY
➔ You have to open PuTTY from your Start Menu or Desktop shortcut.
➔ After that, You will see the PuTTY Configuration window.
Enter the following details below:
➔ In that, Enter the server’s IP address or hostname (e.g., 192.168.1.100 or example.com).
➔ By default, SSH uses port 22. If your server uses a different port, enter it here.
➔ Select ‘SSH’ (the default option).
➔ To connect with the server, Click ‘Open.’
➔ After clicking, a terminal window will appear.
If this is your first time connecting to the server, you may see a security alert about the server’s host key. Just click ‘Yes’ to proceed.
➔ Once done, enter the username for your server when prompted, and press ‘Enter.’
➔ Enter the password for the user account.
*Note: The terminal will not display the password while you type (for security reasons).
➔ Press ‘Enter’ after typing the password.
Once connected, you will get a welcome message on the screen.
Also Read: Install & Configure a CSF Firewall in a CenTOS Server
➢ On Linux
➔ Press ‘Ctrl + Alt + T’ to open the terminal on your Linux machine.
➔ In that, enter the following SSH Command.
| ssh username@hostname_or_IP_address |
★ Replace ‘username’ with your SSH username (e.g., root or admin).
★ Replace ‘hostname_or_IP_address’ with the server’s domain name or IP address.
Example:
| ssh root@192.168.1.100 |
➔ The first time you connect to a server, you will see a message similar to this:
| The authenticity of host ‘192.168.1.100 (192.168.1.100)’ can’t be established. RSA key fingerprint is SHA256:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])? |
*This is the server’s SSH key fingerprint, a unique identifier for security purposes.
➔ To proceed, type ‘yes’ and press ‘ENTER.’
➔ After confirming the fingerprint, you will be prompted to enter the password.
➔ Type the password associated with your username and press ‘ENTER.’
*Note: The password will not appear as you type for security purposes.
➔ If the connection is successful, you’ll see a command-line output similar to this:
| [user@hostname ~]$ |
This indicates you are now logged into the server and can execute commands.
Also Read: How to Create a User in Linux & Add it to the sudoer File?
Conclusion
Logging into SSH using password authentication is straightforward and offers remote access to your server. While it’s a convenient method, always ensure your server’s security is a top priority. Use strong, unique passwords and restrict access to trusted IPs whenever possible.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can seamlessly access your Linux server and perform the necessary configurations or maintenance. If you encounter issues, double-check your credentials and server settings or consult your hosting provider for further assistance.