How to View SSH Keys in Linux, macOS, and Windows

There will likely be occasions while you really have to view your SSH certificates on Linux. Why? For instance, it is advisable to add a certificates to authenticate to GitHub (or some other on-line service that requires SSH authentication). You know you created these SSH certificates, however how do you view them?

Those accustomed to SSH in all probability already know the reply to this query. After all, that is fairly fundamental SSH stuff. For those that are new to the methods of SSH (or Linux, macOS, or Windows, for that matter), the duty might depart you perplexed.

In this text and the video tutorial above, I’ll present you ways simple it’s to view these SSH keys, so you should utilize them for third-party companies.

SEE: How to create and replica SSH keys with 2 easy instructions (TechRepublic)

What you’ll need

The solely factor you’ll need is entry to a server or desktop (Linux, macOS, or Windows) and a created SSH key. If you have not already created your SSH key pair, you are able to do so with the command:

ssh-keygen

This command will generate a pair of keys, each private and non-private. The public key’s the one you ship to servers for SSH key authentication. When you attempt to entry that server, SSH will examine the private and non-private keys. If these keys match, you’ll be granted entry. Simple sufficient. You’re prepared to maneuver ahead.

How to view your SSH public key on Linux

There are two easy methods to view the SSH public key in Linux: utilizing the cat command or utilizing each the ssh-agent and ssh-add instructions, which is a bit more difficult. The second technique might be overkill for what you want, however it’s a great way to view the important thing by requesting the SSH key pair password.

Using the ssh-agent command

1. Run the command:
   ssh-agent sh -c 'ssh-add; ssh-add -L'
2. Once authentication is full, the SSH public key will likely be printed within the terminal.
3. You can then copy and paste it wherever you want.

If you do not wish to need to memorize yet one more command, you’ll be able to merely use the cat command.

Using the cat command

1. Run the command:
   cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
2. The command will print your SSH key to your Linux machine with out prompting you for the important thing’s authentication password.

SEE: How to mount distant directories with SSH (TechRepublic)

How to view your SSH public key on macOS

Viewing keys on MacOS will be executed equally to Linux.

To view your SSH public key on macOS

1. Open the terminal window and run the command
   cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
   OR
   cat /Users/USERNAME/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
   Where USERNAME is your macOS username.
2. The above instructions will print your SSH public key.

macOS additionally has one other trick up its sleeve. You can copy the contents of the SSH key on to the clipboard, with out viewing the important thing, utilizing the pbcopy device.

To copy SSH public key on Mac

1. Run the command:
   cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub | pbcopy
2. After copying the important thing to the clipboard, you’ll be able to paste it wherever you want.

SEE: How to make use of an SSH configuration file on macOS for simpler connections to information middle servers (TechRepublic)

How to View SSH Public Key on Windows

If you have not generated an SSH key but, you’ll be able to generate one now.

To generate an SSH public key on Windows

1. Run the command:
   ssh-keygen
2. You will likely be requested the place to save lots of the important thing.
3. If you utilize the default settings, your keys will likely be saved in C:User(YourUserIdentify).sshid.
4. You will then be requested to enter a passphrase. You can press Enter for an empty/no passphrase.
5. You will then be requested to verify your passphrase.
6. Your key will likely be generated.

To view your SSH public key on Windows

1. Run the command:
   kind ~.sshid_rsa.pub
   Where USERNAME is your username.
2. The command will show your SSH public key.
3. Now use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C to repeat the contents of the file.

You also can do one thing much like what we did on macOS (copy the SSH public key on to the clipboard).

To copy SSH public key on Windows

1. Issue the command:
   kind ~.sshid_rsa.pub | clip
   Where USERNAME is your username.
2. Now paste that key right into a phrase processor or wherever you want it.

SEE: Top instructions Linux directors have to know (TechRepublic Premium)

How to view your non-public key

Chances are you’ll by no means need to see your non-public key. After all, that is the key of the sauce that’s by no means seen to anybody. But in case it is advisable to view that key, you’ll be able to observe the identical steps as above, however take away the .pub extension from the file identify anyway.

Remember, id_rsa is the non-public key and id_rsa.pub is the general public key. And that is all it is advisable to view your SSH private and non-private keys on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Make positive you deal with these keys with the care and security they deserve. Although your public key will likely be distributed to different customers and companies, your non-public key should be hidden and by no means proven to the general public.

If you by chance launch your non-public key, you’ll need to:

1. Remove the general public key from the Authorized_keys file on every server that makes use of the important thing pair.
2. Delete the private and non-private keys on the host.
3. Generate a brand new key pair.
4. Send the brand new key pair to the servers it is advisable to entry with SSH key authentication.

If you allow a hint of that compromised key pair on any server or desktop, you threat giving somebody entry.