SSH key generator - Devolutions Documentation

SSH keys provide a secure way of logging into a virtual private server with SSH than using a password alone. While a password can eventually be cracked with a brute force attack, SSH keys are nearly impossible to decipher by brute force alone.

The SSH key generator is located under Tools in the ribbon of Remote Desktop Manager.

Settings

SETTINGS	DESCRIPTION
Algorithm	You can choose between: RSA: RSA can be used for signing/verification and also for encryption/decryption. When using RSA it is recommended to use a 2048 bits key size. DSA: It is faster in signing but slower in verifying. It can only be used for signing/verification it does not encrypt/decrypt. When using DSA it is a recommended to use a 1024 bits key size.
Key size	You can choose your SSH key size between: 1024 bits: Minimum key size 2048 bits: Default and recommended key size 4096 bits: Maximum key size
Comment	Enter your username and the name of the computer you are transferring your key to.
Key format (public key)	The key format refers to the structure and encoding used to store the key data. A variety of key formats are supported, such as Standard, OpenSSH, PKCS1, and PKCS8.
Save public key	Saving the public key will generate a *.pub file. Simply enter a file name when prompted.
Passphrase	Choose a passphrase for the private key.
Confirm passphrase	Confirm the passphrase for the private key.
Key format (private key)	Different private key formats are supported, such as OpenSSH, PuTTY, PKCS1, and PKCS8.
Save private key	You will have the option of saving your private key in different formats, choose between: PKCS8 private key (.pri) PuTTY private key (.ppk) OpenSSH private key (.pri)
Rounds	Specifying a higher number of rounds for the key derivation function increases the time it takes to process the passphrase when the key is used.
Load private key	This feature will allow you to import a previously saved private SSH key.
Load public key	This feature will allow you to import a previously saved public SSH key.

SETTINGS	DESCRIPTION
Key type	You can choose between: RSA: RSA can be used for signing/verification and also for encryption/decryption. When using RSA it is recommended to use a 2048 bits key size. DSA: It is faster in signing but slower in verifying. It can only be used for signing/verification it does not encrypt/decrypt. When using DSA it is a recommended to use a 1024 bits key size.
Key size	You can choose your SSH key size between: 1024 bits: Minimum key size 2048 bits: Default and recommended key size 4096 bits: Maximum key size
Comment	Enter your username and the name of the computer you are transferring your key to.
Key format (public key)	The key format refers to the structure and encoding used to store the key data. A variety of key formats are supported, such as Standard, OpenSSH, PKCS1, and PKCS8.
Save public key	Saving the public key will generate a *.pub file. Simply enter a file name when prompted.
Passphrase	Choose a passphrase for the private key.
Confirm passphrase	Confirm the passphrase for the private key.
Key format (private key)	Different private key formats are supported, such as OpenSSH, PuTTY, PKCS1, and PKCS8.
Save private key	You will have the option of saving your private key in different formats, choose between: PKCS8 private key (.pri) PuTTY private key (.ppk) OpenSSH private key (.pri)
Rounds	Specifying a higher number of rounds for the key derivation function increases the time it takes to process the passphrase when the key is used.
Load private key	This feature will allow you to import a previously saved private SSH key.
Load public key	This feature will allow you to import a previously saved public SSH key.

If you did not specify a passphrase you will have to confirm that you do not wish to use a passphrase.

When using the SSH key agent manager you must select the PuTTY private key (.ppk) or OpenSSH private key (.pri) file format. The PKCS private key is not a supported file format for the SSH key agent manager.