Knowledgebase

Using SSH Keys with PuTTY (Firstserv Guide – Windows)

This guide explains how to set up secure SSH access using public/private keys with PuTTY on Windows.

What Are SSH Keys?

SSH authentication uses two key files:

• 🔐 Private Key – Stored securely on your computer
• 🌐 Public Key – Uploaded to your hosting account

👉 Only your private key can authenticate access, making this method far more secure than passwords.

Step 1: Generate SSH Keys with PuTTYgen

Open PuTTYgen

• Launch PuTTYgen (installed as part of the PuTTY suite)

Generate a Key Pair

1. Select:

   • Key type: RSA
   • Key size: 2048 (recommended)

2. Click Generate

3. Move your mouse randomly over the window to generate randomness

✅ Once complete, your key pair will be created

Set a Passphrase

• Enter a strong passphrase
• Confirm it in the second field

⚠️ This protects your private key if it is compromised

👉 Use a mix of:

• Upper & lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols

Save Your Private Key

• Click Save private key
• Save the file as:

  yourkey.ppk
  

✅ Keep this file safe—you’ll need it to connect

Copy Your Public Key

• Select and copy everything from:

  Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file
  

Step 2: Add Your Public Key to cPanel

Upload the Key

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Navigate to:

   Security → SSH Access
   

3. Click Manage SSH Keys
4. Click Import Key

Paste the Key

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

Authorize the Key

1. Back in Manage SSH Keys
2. Click Manage next to your key
3. Click Authorize

✅ Your key is now active

Step 3: Load Your Key into Pageant

Open Pageant

• Launch Pageant (runs in the system tray)

👉 You’ll see a small icon near the clock

Add Your Private Key

1. Right-click the Pageant icon
2. Click Add Key
3. Select your .ppk file
4. Enter your passphrase

✅ Pageant will now manage your key for SSH connections

Verify Keys (Optional)

• Right-click Pageant → View Keys

Step 4: Connect via PuTTY

Once your key is loaded:

1. Open PuTTY
2. Load your saved session (or create one)
3. Connect as normal

✅ You will be logged in using your key—no password required

Connection Details

• Host: yourdomain.com or server hostname
• Port:

  722
  

Optional: Quick Connect via Pageant

• Right-click the Pageant icon
• Select a saved PuTTY session

✅ This connects instantly without opening PuTTY manually

Using SSH Keys with FileZilla (SFTP)

If you already use FileZilla:

1. Open Site Manager
2. Select your saved connection
3. Remove the stored password

✅ With Pageant running, FileZilla will automatically use your SSH key

Security Tips

• ✅ Always use a strong passphrase
• ✅ Store your .ppk file securely
• ❌ Never share your private key
• ✅ Keep your system protected with a login password

Summary

• SSH keys provide a secure alternative to passwords
• Generate keys with PuTTYgen
• Upload and authorise the public key in cPanel
• Load your private key with Pageant
• Connect securely via PuTTY or FileZilla

Need Help?

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