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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Generate an SSH key pair with OpenSSH’s ssh-keygen, keep the private-key file to yourself, and share the matching .pub file. To log in to a remote account, that account must also authorize your public key; creating a pair on your computer does not configure the server.
What you need before generating a key
Open a terminal on the computer where you will use SSH. You need OpenSSH’s ssh-keygen utility. Because operating systems can bundle different or modified versions, check the local ssh-keygen manual if an option below behaves differently. The steps here follow the OpenBSD manual; its current documentation identifies Ed25519 as the default key type when no arguments are given.
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Generate an Ed25519 key pair
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Run this command, replacing the example comment with an identifier you will recognize:
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When asked where to save the key, press Enter to accept the displayed default path, or enter another path. If a file already exists at that location, take care not to overwrite a key you still use.
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When prompted for a passphrase, enter one and confirm it. The passphrase encrypts the private portion of the key file. OpenBSD’s ssh-keygen(1) manual warns: “There is no way to recover a lost passphrase.” If you forget it, create a new key pair and install its public key wherever access is needed.
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Find the public key and protect the private key
The file saved at the chosen path is your private key. Its public counterpart has the same name with .pub appended. For example, if the private key is ~/.ssh/id_ed25519, the public key is ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub. Provide the public file’s contents to the service or account that needs to recognize your key.
Do not send or upload the private-key file. Keep it readable only by your user account, and store it somewhere you control. The public key does not need to be kept secret; the private key is what you must retain and protect.
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- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
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- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Add the public key to a remote account
For SSH public-key login, the remote account must have your public key authorized, commonly in that account’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file. The server uses the public key to recognize a login attempt, while you retain the matching private key. Consult the host or service’s own setup instructions for its accepted method of adding a key; upload screens and requirements are not identical across providers. OpenBSD’s ssh(1) manual documents SSH authentication and the authorized-keys mechanism.
Use ssh-agent only if it helps
ssh-agent is optional. It holds private keys for later public-key authentication and makes them available to SSH through an environment-based socket. It does not generate keys or install a public key on a remote account. See the OpenBSD ssh-agent(1) manual for its behavior and options.
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- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
When a different key type may make sense
For a standard software-generated key, Ed25519 is the straightforward walkthrough above. OpenSSH also supports FIDO authenticator-backed key types. These are optional rather than a requirement, and the authenticator must be available when the key is used. Check the OpenBSD-current ssh-keygen(1) manual and the target service’s requirements before choosing one.
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- The information below is per-pack only
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
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