Managing SSH keys is crucial for maintaining secure access to your Linux server. If you’re logged in as the root user on CentOS 7.9 and need to generate a new SSH key, follow this straightforward guide.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prerequisites: Ensure you’re logged in as root via password.
1. Generate a New SSH Key 🔑
To create a new SSH key pair, open your terminal and run:
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 2048 -f /root/.ssh/id_rsa_2This command generates a 2048-bit RSA key pair named id_rsa_2.
2. Add the Public Key to authorized_keys 📂
Append the new public key to the authorized_keys file:
cat /root/.ssh/id_rsa_2.pub >> /root/.ssh/authorized_keys3. Set Correct Permissions 🔒
Ensure the correct permissions on your SSH directory and files:
chmod 700 /root/.ssh
chmod 600 /root/.ssh/authorized_keys4. Test Your SSH Connection 🧪
If your SSH service is running on a non-standard port (e.g., 22022), use:
ssh -i /root/.ssh/id_rsa_2 -p 22 root@localhost5. Restart the SSH Service 🔄
To apply changes, restart the SSH service:
systemctl restart sshdConclusion
With these steps, you’ve securely set up a new SSH key for the root user on your CentOS system. Always ensure your keys are backed up and your permissions are correct. Happy secure computing! 🌐🔐
