Novell LINUX ENTERPRISE DESKTOP 11 - APPLICATION GUIDE 17-03-2009 Application Manual page 128

11.2.2 Creating Secure Shell Keys
Secure Shell (SSH) is a method of logging into a remote computer to execute commands
on that machine. SSH keys are used in key-based authentication system as an alternative
to the default password authentication system. With key-based authentication, there is
no need to manually type a password to authenticate.
1 Click Computer > More Applications > Tools > Passwords and Encryption Keys.
2 Encryption and Keyrings Click Key > Create New Key.
3 Select Secure Shell Key, then click Continue.
4 Specify a description of what the key is to be used for.
5 Optionally, click Advanced key options to specify the following advanced options
6 Click Just Create Key to create the new key, or click Create and Set Up to create
7 Specify the passphrase for your new key, click OK, then repeat.
114 Application Guide
You can use your e-mail address or any other reminder.
for the key.
Encryption Type
keys. Select RSA to use the Rivest-ShamirAdleman (RSA) algorithm to create
the SSH key. This is the preferred and more secure choice. Select DSA to use the
Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) to create the SSH key.
Key Strength Specifies the length of the key in bits. The longer the key, the
more secure it is (provided a strong passphrase is used), but keep in mind that
performing any operation with a longer key requires more time than it does with
a shorter key. Acceptable values are between 1024 and 4096 bits. At least 2048
bits is recommended.
the key and set up another computer to use for authentication.
When you specify a passphrase, use the same practices you use when you create
a strong password. The main difference between a password and a passphrase is
that spaces are valid characters in a passphrase.
Specifies the encryption algorithms used to generate your