How to create an SSH key for StartOS

Securely Accessing Your StartOS Server via SSH  🔐

If you're running a StartOS server and need to dive into advanced configuration or troubleshooting, SSH (Secure Shell) is your go-to tool. This guide walks you through the simple, three-step process to set up secure SSH access from your Linux machine on the same local network. Its a similar process for Windows and Mac.

Why Use SSH with StartOS?

SSH allows you to access your StartOS server's command-line interface securely, enabling tasks like system maintenance, service configuration, or debugging. By using key-based authentication, you ensure that only authorized devices (like your Linux machine) can connect, keeping your server safe from unauthorized access.

Let’s get started with generating an SSH key pair, registering it with StartOS, and connecting to your server!

Step 1: Generate Your SSH Key Pair on Linux 🔑

An SSH key pair is your digital credential for secure access. You’ll generate this on your Linux machine, keeping the private key secret and sharing the public key with your StartOS server.

Create the Key Pair

1. Open a Terminal on Linux (press Ctrl + Alt + T or search for "Terminal").
2. Run the following command to generate a key pair using the secure Ed25519 algorithm:

   ssh-keygen -t ed25519
   

3. When prompted for a file location, press Enter to accept the default path: ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.
4. You’ll be asked to set a passphrase. For added security, enter a strong passphrase (or press Enter twice to skip, though this is less secure).

This creates two files in your ~/.ssh/ directory:

• id_ed25519: Your private key—never share this!
• id_ed25519.pub: Your public key, safe to share with StartOS.

Start the SSH Agent

To avoid entering your passphrase repeatedly, use the SSH agent to manage your key.

1. Start the SSH agent in the background:

   eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"
   

2. Add your private key to the agent:

   ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519
   

   If you set a passphrase, enter it now. You’ll only need to do this once per session.

Step 2: Register Your Public Key in the StartOS Dashboard 💻

Next, you’ll add your Linux machine’s public key to your StartOS server via its web interface.

Copy the Public Key

1. In your Linux Terminal, display your public key:

   cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
   

   This outputs a single line starting with ssh-ed25519, followed by a long string and a comment (e.g., user@your_computer).
2. Copy the entire line carefully, including the comment.

Add the Key to StartOS

1. Open your web browser and log in to your StartOS Dashboard (usually accessible at your server’s IP address, e.g., http://192.168.1.xxx).
2. Navigate to System > SSH in the dashboard.
3. Click the “Add New Key” button.
4. Paste the copied public key into the provided text field.
5. Click Submit to save the key.

Your StartOS server now recognizes your Linux machine as an authorized client!

Step 3: Connect to Your StartOS Server via SSH 🔗

With the key registered, you’re ready to connect to your StartOS server using its IP address.

1. Find Your StartOS IP Address:

   • In the StartOS dashboard, go to System > About.
   • Locate the IPv4 address for your active network interface (e.g., eno1), typically something like 192.168.1.xxx.

2. In your Linux Terminal, connect to StartOS using the default username start9:

   ssh start9@<SERVER-IP-ADDRESS>
   

   Replace <SERVER-IP-ADDRESS> with your server’s IP (e.g., ssh start9@192.168.1.100).

3. The first time you connect, you’ll be prompted to accept the server’s host fingerprint. Type yes and press Enter.

Congratulations! You’re now securely logged into your StartOS command-line interface.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Connection Refused: Ensure the StartOS server’s SSH service is running and port 22 is open. Check your local network firewall settings on both Linux and StartOS.
• Permission Denied: Verify that the public key was correctly pasted into the StartOS dashboard (no extra spaces or missing characters). Ensure the key starts with ssh-ed25519.
• IP Address Issues: Confirm the StartOS server’s IP using the dashboard or by pinging it (ping 192.168.1.xxx). If your network uses dynamic IPs, ensure the address hasn’t changed.
• Passphrase Prompts: If you’re repeatedly asked for your passphrase, ensure the SSH agent is running and your key is added (ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519).

Wrapping Up

You’ve now set up secure, key-based SSH access to your StartOS server from your Linux machine. This setup ensures robust security and convenient access for managing your server. Whether you’re tweaking services, checking logs, or performing advanced configurations, SSH gives you full control right from your terminal.

Happy server management, and stay secure! 🔒