Security is a top priority in the world of computers. Accessing remote servers is done by Secure Shell (SSH) as a de facto standard. But within SSH, there are various authentication protocols. While passwords are a popular option, SSH public key authentication trumps them on the fronts of security, usability, and automation.
Let’s jump into why abandoning passwords in favor of public keys is the intelligent choice for those who administer remote systems.
What is ServerAvatar
ServerAvatar is a managed cloud hosting platform that makes it easy to deploy, manage, and monitor servers and apps without technical expertise. You can launch WordPress, Laravel, Node.js, and more on providers like DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Hetzner in just a few clicks, with automation, monitoring, and security built in.
with serverAvatar you can
- Deploy and manage servers directly from ServerAvatar.
- Host and manage multiple applications (WordPress, Laravel, PHP based, Node.js based, etc.).
- Manage multiple servers and applications from a single dashboard.
- Get built-in monitoring, backups, free automatic SSL with auto-renewal, firewall, fail2ban, and many more features to simplify your routine tasks.
- Supports multiple stacks like LAMP, LEMP, OLS, Node Stack
- Built-in log monitoring suite
- 24/7 support by our technical experts
- Affordable pricing with scalable plans
SSH Features of ServerAvatar
1. One-Click SSH/SFTP Access
Instantly enable or disable SSH and SFTP access for any application user with a single toggle.
No need to edit server configuration files or use command-line operations.
2. Built-in SSH Key Management
Add, manage, and assign SSH public keys directly from the ServerAvatar dashboard.
Supports multiple keys for team members or multiple devices.
Automatically installs and manages keys on the server — no manual file editing required.
3. Automatic SSH Configuration
When a new server or user is created, ServerAvatar automatically configures the SSH service securely.
Ensures correct file permissions and directory structures (.ssh/authorized_keys) to prevent access issues.
4. Secure Application User Management
Create individual application users with SSH/SFTP access without exposing the root account.
Each user has isolated access, reducing the risk of server-wide security breaches.
Manage user permissions like Sudo Access or SSH Access with one click.
5. Passwordless Authentication
ServerAvatar encourages and supports public key authentication for secure, passwordless logins.
Eliminates the risk of brute-force attacks and weak passwords.
6. Team & Multi-User Access Control
Allow multiple developers or clients to securely connect using their unique SSH keys.
Add or remove access instantly without affecting other users or restarting SSH.
7. One-Click Web Terminal
Access your server shell securely right from the ServerAvatar dashboard using the in-built web terminal.
No need to open a separate SSH client — perfect for quick commands or debugging.
8. Enhanced Security Options
Disable password authentication server-wide directly from the dashboard after setting up SSH keys.
Integration with Fail2Ban and Firewall helps block repeated SSH login attempts automatically.
9. Automatic Permission Management
ServerAvatar ensures that all .ssh directories and authorized_keys files have the correct ownership and permissions for smooth authentication.
Prevents common SSH errors caused by misconfigured permissions.
10. Quick Revocation and Audit
Instantly revoke SSH access for any user by toggling off SSH/SFTP access or removing their key.
Audit which users have SSH or Sudo access at any time from a centralized dashboard.
11. Isolated User Environments
Each application user created through ServerAvatar operates in an isolated environment, ensuring they cannot interfere with other users or applications on the server.
This separation enhances security, simplifies troubleshooting, and allows for better access control and monitoring.
12. Easy SSH Key Management for Application Users
Effortlessly add and manage SSH keys for any application user with a simple interface.
Securely authenticate users without the need for passwords by using SSH key pairs.
Quickly add or remove SSH keys, streamlining access control and enhancing security.
Read Full Article:- https://serveravatar.com/ssh-public-key-vs-password-authentication/
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