This tutorial will show you how to connect to a Linux user account remotely, using an SSH private key.
1. Grab a copy of Kitty from here
2. After running the file you should see this application window. Now we will want to fill in the details to connect a vps/server using an SSH private key.
For this tutorial we will use an example scenario, using a made-up server.
3. Let’s say we have a remote server, that has the following login information…
hostname (via SSH) = test.vps.com
username = robert
SSH password = 14mn0tr0b3rt
a private key file called test.ppk.
4. OK, we have our information begin to fill out the fields required to connect.
Start by putting in, the hostname, as follows
Now we shall enter the username, and navigate through the following side menus, to access the username section. Under connection, click on Data, and type in the username under login details, as follows.
As this is an SSH connection via a private key file, we do not put the password in the autologin password field, this field is for standard SSH connections. Now we can move on to the next step.
5. Now we will want to load up our private key file so we can authenticate correctly with the server. Under Connection, click on the plus sign to the left of SSH to expand the selection, and highlight the AUTH section. You should see something like this…
At the bottom of this window, you will see a browse button (Private key file for authentication), click on that browse button, and navigate to your private key file (PPK extension).
Once this field has been propagated you can go back up to the session section of the app, by scrolling up and clicking session, it should look like this again…
6. Now we need to give our test connection/session, a name. type in something memorable, and click on Save. I gave mine this name…
As you can see, the Saved Sessions area is now filled with our first SSH private key connection, if you don’t see this area filled, then something has gone wrong, and you will need to retrace your steps. It’s imperative you click the save button after completing all the steps above.
7. The final step is to initiate the connection. Double-click on the name of the connection under Saved Sessions. A black window should appear, and it should prompt you to enter a password for the private key file (if your private key file, was not password protected, then this screen usually wouldn’t be seen, but for the sake of higher security I always recommend password protecting your private key file).
Your screen should look like this if so…
If you see this, then our connection has been successful. Type in your SSH private key password, in our example we are using 14mn0tr0b3rt.
Once you have done that, you should be presented with the home screen of your Linux user account, it’s usually something like robert@hostname : ~/
Ok, that’s it, have fun with your new Linux user account protected with a private key file and password.