How to Set Up SSH Keys on Your VPS Server (Secure Login Without Passwords)

Logging into your VPS server using a password is a bit like using the same key for every door in your house. It works — but if someone gets hold of it, everything is at risk.

That’s why security-focused businesses are switching to SSH key authentication.

At CreativeON, trusted by businesses across Pakistan, we help clients set up secure, password-free SSH access for their VPS servers. Whether you’re managing a Linux VPS, Windows VPS, or multiple servers at once, SSH keys make access faster, safer, and more reliable.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

• What SSH keys are (in simple terms)
• How to generate SSH keys
• How to add them to your VPS server
• How to manage multiple keys
• Common problems and fixes

• Extra security best practices for VPS hosting in Pakistan

What Are SSH Keys (And Why Are They Safer Than Passwords)?

SSH keys replace traditional passwords with a pair of cryptographic keys:

• Public key → Stored on your VPS server
• Private key → Stored securely on your computer

When you connect, the server checks whether your private key matches the public key it already trusts. If it does, you’re logged in — no password required.

Why SSH keys are more secure

• Passwords can be guessed or brute-forced
• SSH keys are nearly impossible to crack
• You don’t send credentials over the network
• Ideal for remote teams and system admins

Think of it like this:
You give your server a lock (public key), but only you own the matching key (private key).

What You Need Before You Start

To set up SSH key login, you’ll need:

• A VPS server (Linux or Windows)
• SSH access enabled
• A computer running:
  • macOS or Linux (built-in terminal)
  • Windows (OpenSSH or PuTTY)

If you’re using VPS hosting from CreativeON, SSH access is available by default — making it easy to secure your server right away.

Tools by platform

• Linux / macOS → Terminal
• Windows → OpenSSH (recommended) or PuTTY + Pageant

No extra hardware, no advanced skills required.

Step 1: Generate Your SSH Key Pair

Open your terminal (or PowerShell on Windows) and run:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

What happens next?

• Press Enter to accept the default location
• Set a strong passphrase (recommended)

This creates two files in your .ssh folder:

• id_ed25519 → Private key (never share this)
• id_ed25519.pub → Public key (safe to upload to server)

🔐 Security tip:
Treat your private key like your wallet. If someone gets it, they get access.

Step 2: Add the Public Key to Your VPS Server

Now we tell the server to trust your key.

Option 1: Using ssh-copy-id (Linux / macOS)

ssh-copy-id user@your-server-ip

Option 2: Manual method (All platforms)

Open the public key file:

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

1.  
2. Copy the output

Paste it into:

~/.ssh/authorized_keys

1.  on your VPS server

Correct permissions (important!)

chmod 700 ~/.ssh

chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

Step 3: Test Your SSH Login

Now test your connection:

ssh user@your-server-ip

If everything is set up correctly, you’ll log in without entering a password.

You’re now securely connected to your VPS — whether you’re working from Lahore, Karachi, or anywhere in the world.

(Highly Recommended) Disable Password Login on Your VPS

SSH keys are secure — but disabling password login makes your VPS dramatically safer.

Edit the SSH config file:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Change:

PasswordAuthentication yes

to:

PasswordAuthentication no

Restart SSH:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

🚫 This blocks brute-force attacks completely.

Managing Multiple SSH Keys (For Multiple VPS Servers)

If you manage more than one VPS, SSH agents save time.

Use SSH Agent

eval “$(ssh-agent -s)”

ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519

Create labeled keys

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -f ~/.ssh/project-name

On Windows

• Use Pageant (PuTTY’s SSH agent)
• Or OpenSSH with ssh-add

This setup is ideal for developers, agencies, and IT teams managing multiple servers.

Common SSH Problems & How to Fix Them

❌ Permission denied (publickey)

Ensure your public key is inside:

~/.ssh/authorized_keys

•  
• Check permissions:
  • .ssh → 700
  • authorized_keys → 600

❌ Lost your private key?

• Remove the old public key from the server
• Generate a new SSH key pair
• Add the new public key

If you’re stuck, CreativeON’s support team can help — just like we do for media houses, healthcare labs, and enterprise clients across Pakistan.

Extra Security Tips for VPS Hosting

• ✅ Always use Ed25519 keys
• 🔄 Rotate SSH keys yearly
• 🧑‍💻 Use one key per user
• 🔐 Combine SSH with firewall rules
• 🌐 Pair VPS security with:
  • Secure .PK domains (PKNIC Gold Partner)
  • Google Workspace (official reseller)

Think of it as upgrading from a basic lock to a full smart security system.

Final Recap

Here’s what you’ve learned:

• Generate SSH keys
• Add the public key to your VPS
• Disable password login
• Manage multiple keys safely
• Fix common SSH issues

You’re now using secure, modern SSH authentication — the right way to manage a VPS server.

If you’re planning to buy VPS in Pakistan, or want help securing your existing server, CreativeON offers reliable, affordable VPS hosting with expert support.