Indiana University
University Information Technology Services
  
What are archived documents?
Login>>
Login

Login is for authorized groups (e.g., UITS, OVPIT, and TCC) that need access to specialized Knowledge Base documents. Otherwise, simply use the Knowledge Base without logging in.

Close

What are SSH and SSH2?

The program SSH (Secure Shell) provides an encrypted channel for logging into another computer over a network, executing commands on a remote computer, and moving files from one computer to another. SSH provides strong host-to-host and user authentication as well as secure encrypted communications over the Internet.

SSH2 is a more secure, efficient, and portable version of SSH that includes SFTP, which is functionally similar to FTP, but is SSH2 encrypted. At Indiana University, UITS has upgraded its central systems to SSH2 (usually the OpenSSH version), and encourages those concerned with secure communications to connect using an SSH2 client.

Mac OS X comes with OpenSSH built in. For Windows, you will have to download a third-party SSH client.

Note: SSH Secure Shell Client for Windows is no longer available for download from IUware or SSH Communications. For alternative SSH and SFTP clients, see At IU, what SSH/SFTP clients are supported and where can I get them?

When connecting to a server for the first time, SSH presents you with a host key fingerprint for that server and asks you to confirm you wish to save the new host key to the local database. Before agreeing, you should compare this fingerprint with one you obtain by some other means (e.g., by telephone) from the server administrators to avoid connecting to an imposter server. To avoid this message the next time you connect, click Yes.

Rather than validating identities via passwords, SSH2 can also use public key encryption to authenticate remote hosts. For example, if you were to connect to a remote host called global.conspiracy.org (also running SSH2), SSH2 would use this system to verify that this remote system is authentic. If you wish, you can set up SSH2 to use public key authentication rather than passwords for logging into your other accounts, much like the Unix rlogin program. For instructions, see In SSH and SSH2 for Unix, how do I set up public key authentication?

For more, see:

This is document aelc in domains all, fgrid-all, and xsede-all.
Last modified on February 19, 2013.

I need help with a computing problem

  • Fill out this form to submit your issue to the UITS Support Center.
  • Please note that you must be affiliated with Indiana University to receive support.
  • All fields are required.



Please provide your IU email address. If you currently have a problem receiving email at your IU account, enter an alternate email address.

I have a comment for the Knowledge Base

  • Fill out this form to submit your comment to the IU Knowledge Base.
  • If you are affiliated with Indiana University and need help with a computing problem, please use the I need help with a computing problem section above, or contact your campus Support Center.