Security ::SSH/Shell Access
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SSH allows secure file transfer and remote logins over the internet. Your connection via SSH is encrypted allowing the secure connection. In this section you can manage your SSH keys to allow automation when logging in via SSH. Using public key authentication is an alternative to password authentication. Since the private key must be held to authenticate, it is virtually impossible to brute force. You can Import existing keys, generate new keys, as well as manage/delete keys. SSH (Secure Shell) is a program to log into another computer/server over a network securely. It provides strong authentication and secure communications over insecure channels. Your login, commands, text are all encrypted when using ssh.

Manage SSH Keys

Manage SSH Keys

Java SSH Login

Connect using SSHTerm (requires java)

SSH Term allows you to connect through public key or password authentication without downloading any software. Public key authentication requires you to have a copy of your private key locally. This can be obtained in Manage SSH Keys.

Connect using Java Telnet Applet (requires java)

Java Telnet Applet allows you to connect using password authentication without downloading any software.

 

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SSH / Shell Access Help

What is SSH / Shell Access?

 

SSH / Shell Access allows you to access the command line interface of the computer your web site is hosted on. Through this interface, you can run any commands that your user has access to. This interface can be used for completing tasks that require specific command line utilities or scripts.

For example, if you had to rename all of the files in one of your directories from .html to .htm or from .php to .php5. To do so, you could open a SSH / Shell session and then use the command line editor vi to create a script called changeextensions.pl. Then, you can save and execute the script from the command line (./changeextensions.pl) and enter any needed arguments to convert your file names.

While SSH / Shell access is very flexible, one should keep in mind that it gives you direct interaction with your files on the computer hosting your site. If you delete them, edit them, or run a command that creates an issue, problems can arise. It is recommended to take extra care and time when using the Shell to prevent any mishaps that could occur.

 

Using SSH Keys

SSH keys may be required to access your account through SSH. They are one of the most secure methods of account access as only your private key can access accounts on a server which have your public key. We always recommend using SSH keys when using SSH. You should create a challenge password when generating a new key to add an extra layer of security. Once you've generated public and private keys, keep your private key safely guarded. It is not replaceable if deleted and you will have to generate a new private and public key pair. Once you have downloaded your private key to your local machine, we recommend deleting it from your cPanel interface.

 

Using SSH / Shell Access

Clicking on Connect using SSHTerm or Connect using Java Telnet Applet will open a window to login. We recommend using Connect using SSHTerm as it is more secure than the Java Telnet Applet. Once the window loads, you will need to login with the username and password of your cPanel account. Depending on your web browser, you may have to login 2 times. Once logged in, you will need to use the commands understood by the Operating System being run on the computer that hosts your web site. Check the Account & Server Stats tab to see what OS is running on the computer.