Knowledgebase

Using SSH Keys on macOS (Firstserv Guide)

macOS is built on a Unix-based system, so it includes native tools for secure SSH access—no additional software is required.

One of the most secure ways to connect via SSH is by using public/private key authentication instead of passwords.

What Are SSH Keys?

SSH authentication uses two files:

• 🔐 Private Key – kept securely on your computer
• 🌐 Public Key – uploaded to your hosting account

👉 Only the private key can authenticate your login, making this method highly secure.

Step 1: Generate SSH Keys on macOS

Open Terminal

• Go to:

  Applications → Utilities → Terminal
  

• Or search for Terminal using Spotlight

Navigate to SSH Directory

✅ This should show:

/Users/your-username/.ssh

Generate the Key Pair

Run:

Replace Values

• "Your Name" → Your name (keep quotes)
• mykey → A short identifier (no spaces)

Set a Passphrase

• Enter a strong passphrase when prompted
• This protects your private key if it is compromised

✅ Two files will be created:

mykey      (private key)
mykey.pub  (public key)

Copy Your Public Key

Display it with:

• Copy the full output (this is your public key)

Step 2: Add Your Public Key to cPanel

Upload the Key

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to:

   Security → SSH Access
   

3. Click Manage SSH Keys
4. Click Import Key

Paste Your Key

• Paste your public key into the Key field
• Give it a name (e.g. mykey)
• Click Import

Authorize the Key

1. Go back to Manage SSH Keys
2. Click Manage next to your key
3. Click Authorize

✅ Your key is now active

Step 3: Connect Using Your Key

Run SSH Command

Replace Values

• username → your cPanel username
• yourdomain.com → your domain or server hostname
• mykey → your private key file

What Happens

• You’ll be asked for your key passphrase
• Once entered, you’ll securely log in

✅ Simplify Future Logins

After first use, macOS can store your passphrase in Keychain.

Then you can connect with:

Security Tips

• ✅ Use a strong passphrase (recommended 16+ characters)
• ✅ Protect your Mac with a login password
• ❌ Never share your private key

Using SSH Keys with SFTP (FileZilla)

If you use FileZilla:

1. Open Site Manager
2. Select your connection
3. Remove saved password
4. Ensure it uses SFTP

✅ FileZilla will use your SSH key automatically

Summary

• macOS includes built-in SSH tools
• SSH keys provide secure, password-free login
• Generate keys using ssh-keygen
• Upload your public key via cPanel
• Connect securely using port:

  722
  

Need Help?

If you need assistance setting up SSH keys or connecting securely, the Firstserv support team is always happy to help.