Adding SSH Keys to GitHub: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

If you’re a developer, chances are you use GitHub to host your code. One of the most popular services for hosting and managing Git repository is GitHub. In order to better secure your account, SSH (Secure Shell) keys are used to authenticate your connection and give you access to your code repositories. In this guide, we’ll be exploring exactly how to add SSH keys to your GitHub connection.

What are SSH Keys?

SSH keys are essentially two different digital keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is the key used to encrypt your connection. It basically identifies both the user and the computer. The private key is the key that is kept confidential and should not be shared with anyone else. It allows you to securely connect to your repository and is used to decrypt your connection.

How to Generate SSH Keys

In order to add SSH keys to your GitHub connection, the first step is to generate the keys. You’ll need to generate a separate key for each computer you use.

1. Download and install Git, which is a free and open-source version control system.
2. Once you have Git installed, open up your terminal.
3. In the terminal, type in the following command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"

Replace “your_email@example.com” with your actual email address.

1. You will then be asked to enter a file in which to save the key. This is an optional step but it’s highly recommended to specify one.
2. You will then be asked to enter and confirm a passphrase. This is also an optional step and you can leave it blank if you wish.
3. A public and private key will be generated. These keys will be saved in the location you specified.

Adding SSH Keys to GitHub

Now that you have your SSH keys generated, the next step is to add them to your GitHub account.

1. Log into your GitHub account and go to the Settings tab.
2. Click on SSH and GPG keys.
3. Click on the New SSH Key button.
4. Enter a title for the key and then paste the public key from the file you generated in the earlier step.
5. Click the Add SSH Key button.
6. Congratulations! You’ve successfully added your SSH keys to your GitHub account.

FAQs

What is the purpose of SSH keys?

The primary purpose of SSH keys is to securely authenticate connections between two computers. SSH keys are used to encrypt communications between a user and a server and are used to verify the identity of the user in order to provide access to the server.

How do SSH keys work?

SSH keys work by using two distinct but related keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt the connection and identify both the user and the computer. The private key is kept confidential and is used to decrypt the connection.

How often should I generate new SSH keys?

It is recommended to generate new SSH keys every 2–3 months. This ensures that your connection remains secure and your keys remain up to date.

Can I use the same SSH key on multiple computers?

No, it is not recommended to use the same SSH key on multiple computers. Each computer should have its own unique key in order to ensure the security of your connection.

What should I do if I forget my passphrase?

If you forget your passphrase, you will need to generate a new SSH key. You can do this by following the steps in the “How to Generate SSH Keys” section of this guide.

Conclusion

Adding SSH keys to your GitHub account is a great way to increase the security of your connection. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to easily add SSH keys to your account. If you have any further questions or need any assistance, please feel free to contact us.