Creating Key Pair
In this section, we will review the procedures for creating key pairs for different operating systems.
A key pair, consisting of a public (open) and a private (closed) key, is used to ensure secure, encrypted data exchange and authentication without transmitting a password. The public key can be safely distributed, while the private key must remain confidential. This allows users and systems to verify their identity and securely connect to servers, such as via SSH, as well as to encrypt and decrypt messages, ensuring that data cannot be intercepted or altered by third parties.
Key Pair Compromise
Your key pair can be compromised, which could give a malicious actor access to your virtual machine or server. To minimize the risks of key pair compromise, follow these recommendations:
- Use long keys.
When creating a key pair, choose a sufficient key length to enhance their resistance to hacking. For RSA keys, it is recommended to use at least 2048 bits. - Ensure secure storage of the private key.
Store your private key in an encrypted storage on devices that are securely protected from unauthorized access. - Ensure secure transmission of the private key.
Minimize operations involving the transmission of the private key. Never transmit your private key over unsecured channels in unencrypted form. - Use a passphrase.
Add an additional layer of protection by setting a passphrase for your private key. Ensure that the passphrase is sufficiently complex and long.