5.7. Managing SSH keys¶

Use of SSH keys allows you to secure SSH access to virtual machines. You can generate a key pair on a client from which you will connect to VMs via SSH. The private key will be stored on the client and you will be able to copy it to other nodes. The public key will need to be uploaded to Acronis Cyber Infrastructure and specified during VM creation. It will be injected into the VM by cloud-init and used for OpenSSH authentication. Keys injection is supported for both Linux and Windows virtual machines.

Before using the SSH keys feature, make sure the following requirements are met:

• The cloud-init utility is installed in a VM template or boot volume.
• OpenSSH Server is installed in a Windows template or boot volume.

For instructions on preparing templates or boot volumes, refer to Preparing templates.

To add a public key, do the following:

1. Generate an SSH key pair on a client by using the ssh-keygen utility:

   # ssh-keygen -t rsa
   

2. On the Compute > Virtual machines > SSH keys tab, click Add key.

3. In the Add SSH key window, specify a key name and copy the key value from the generated public key located in /root/.ssh/id_rsa.pub. Optionally, you can add a key description.

   

To delete one or more keys, select them, and then click Delete.