SSH: Encrypted Communication with the Server

SSH is a protocol that encrypts all traffic (including passwords) to effectively eliminate eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other network-level attacks. SSH enables you to connect to our servers privately and securely. Unlike Telnet and FTP, SSH, SCP (Secure Copy) and SFTP (Secure FTP) are secure.

Needed: an SSH Client

In order to take advantage of SSH you need to have an SSH client. If you're on Mac OS X, Linux, FreeBSD or another Unix-ish OS, you can probably open an xterm or Terminal and start ssh-ing away. If you're on Legacy Mac OS, you'll want to look at Nifty Telnet. If on Windows, PuTTY is the favorite.

Log on to the Server

Once you have your client, you'll need your SSH username and password as well as the hostname of the webserver (all of which you received in your welcome e-mail). If your welcome email did not mention SSH then your account probably does not include SSH access.

If you're logging on from a Unix-ish host, the command will look like this:

ssh username@server_hostname

If this is your first time to login, you will get prompted to accept the host key. In most cases you can just answer yes, but if you wish to be careful and verify the key, you can do so by emailing Support.

When you log on you're initially in your home folder.

Changing your Password

You should change your password upon logging in for the first time and regularly thereafter (e.g., every 6 months) for optimal security. A secure password does not include names or dictionary words and contains a mix of numbers, letters (capital and small) and symbols. By using a complex password you protect yourself and your data from attackers with malicious intentions.

Password Suggestions

Once you're logged in you can type genpass on the commandline to receive several suggestions for secure passwords. I suggest you choose one of these for your new password.

passwd

To change your password type passwd at the shell prompt. This will prompt you to enter your old password and then to enter your new desired one twice. After you successfully complete this, your password will have been changed.

Questions?

Please contact us with your questions and we will get back to you right away.