# Add an SSH key to an existing server

Depending on your type of server, your method of adding SSH keys may change. In this article, we'll go over the different ways to add your SSH key to your TurboStack server (and how to create a keypair if you haven't already). Please note we recommend using ed25519 as scheme, however all our different platforms support any OpenSSH-compatible scheme.

If you already have your SSH key you'd like to add, feel free to skip to step 1.

You only need to choose one of the methods below to generate your SSH key:

• Method 1: Using WSL, Linux, or Mac Terminal (Recommended for most users)
• Method 2: Using PuTTY Key Generator (For Windows users who prefer PuTTY)

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your-email@example.com"

• The -t ed25519 flag specifies the ed25519 algorithm, which is more secure and faster than older schemes like RSA.
• The -C "your-email@example.com" flag adds a comment to help identify your key.

After running the command, you'll be prompted to:

• Choose a file location to save the key (press Enter to accept the default ~/.ssh/id_ed25519).
• Set a passphrase for added security (optional but recommended).

Once generated, you should have two files:

• id_ed25519 – This is your private key (never share it!).
• id_ed25519.pub – This is your public key (this is the key you will add to your server).

To display the contents of your public key, use the following command:

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

• Download PuTTY from https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html if you don’t already have it installed.
• Open PuTTYgen (puttygen.exe).

• In the PuTTY Key Generator window, locate the Parameters section.
• Select EdDSA (Ed25519 should be the default curve).
• Click Generate and move your mouse randomly over the blank area to generate randomness.
• Once completed, PuTTYgen will display the public key at the top.

• Click Save private key and save it as id_ed25519.ppk.
  • (Optional) Enter a passphrase for additional security.
• Click Save public key and save it as id_ed25519.pub.
• (Optional) If your server requires an OpenSSH format key, go to Conversions > Export OpenSSH Key, then save it as id_ed25519.

1. Go to your Turbostack server in the GUI.
2. In the ribbon menu, click 'SSH'.
3. Paste your public key into the textbox.
4. Click 'Save & Publish'

If you need to add keys to multiple servers, you can use the groups functionality to streamline this process.

1. Log into cPanel

   • Navigate to your cPanel account (usually at https://your-domain.com:2083 or https://your-server-ip:2083).
   • Enter your username and password to log in.

2. Go to the SSH Access Section

   • In the cPanel Dashboard, locate the Security section.
   • Click on SSH Access.

3. Import Your SSH Key

   • Click Manage SSH Keys → Import Key.
   • Under Public Key, paste the contents of your id_ed25519.pub file.
   • (Optional) You can also upload a private key here if needed for authentication.
   • (Optional) You can provide a passphrase for extra security.
   • Click Import to save the key.

4. Authorize the SSH Key

   • After importing, return to Manage SSH Keys.
   • Find your newly added key under the Public Keys section.
   • Click Manage → Authorize to enable the key for SSH access.

1. Log in to WHM

   • Access WHM via https://your-server-ip:2087 or https://your-hostname.com:2087.
   • Enter your root credentials to log in.

2. Go to the SSH Key Management Section

   • In the WHM Dashboard, locate Security Center.
   • Click on Manage root’s SSH Keys.

3. Import the SSH Key

   • Click Import Key.
   • In the Public Key field, paste the contents of your id_ed25519.pub file.
   • (Optional) You can also import a private key if needed.
   • (Optional) You can provide a passphrase for extra security.
   • Click Import to save the key.

4. Authorize the SSH Key

   • Go back to Manage root’s SSH Keys.
   • Locate your newly added key under Public Keys.
   • Click Manage → Authorize to enable the key.

1. Log in to DirectAdmin

   • Open DirectAdmin at https://your-server-ip:2222 or https://your-domain.com:2222.
   • Enter your admin or user credentials.

2. Navigate to the SSH Key Manager

   • Go to: User Level > SSH Keys

3. Add a New SSH Key

   • Click Add SSH Key.
   • In the Public Key field, paste your SSH key (from id_ed25519.pub).
   • Click Save.

4. Authorize the SSH Key

   • After adding, ensure the key is enabled in the SSH Keys list.
   • If needed, set key permissions to allow login.