Host Key - Glossary | CSRC (2024)

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Host Key - Glossary | CSRC? ›

A public key used for authenticating a host in the SSH protocol to hosts that want to communicate with it (each host also generally has its own private host key). Some hosts may have more than one host key (e.g., one for each algorithm).

A host key is the server's public key. The host key is used by the client to decrypt an authentication message sent from the server when connecting. The basic purpose of the host key is to ensure that when you connect to a remote host, it is actually the host that you intended to connect to.

The default Host key is the Right Ctrl key. Some of the available Host Key options might not work on your computer. If the configured Host key does not work, use an alternative Host key. Country code for the keyboard on the client computer.

A host key is a cryptographic key used for authenticating computers in the SSH protocol. Host keys are key pairs, typically using the RSA, DSA, or ECDSA algorithms. Public host keys are stored on and/or distributed to SSH clients, and private keys are stored on SSH servers.

SSH client and host keys are used when an SFTP client attempts to connect and authenticate with an SFTP server. Client keys authenticate the user connecting to an SFTP server. Host keys ensure that the SFTP client is connected to the correct SFTP server.

Each key is named for reference, and there's a default key (named default ) at the function and host level. Function keys take precedence over host keys. When two keys are defined with the same name, the function key is always used.

By default, the Host key is the right-Ctrl key.

A host keys change may be triggered by a number of reasons. For example: Hosts get re-built (virtualization, cloud servers) without retaining their SSH identity. Reusing FQDNs or IPs in the environment.

What is the 6-digit host key? ›

The host key is a 6-digit PIN tied to your Zoom account. It is not meeting-specific. You can use your host key to claim host privileges in the following circ*mstances: You have Join Before Host enabled and the host joins the meeting without signing in.

Host keys are stored in ~/. ssh/known_hosts in the user's home directory. Additionally, the /etc/ssh/ssh_known_hosts file is automatically checked for known hosts.

Host key generation

On first use of sshd, the key pair for the host will be automatically generated. You need to have OpenSSH Server installed first. Please see Getting started with OpenSSH. Since there's no user associated with the sshd service, the host keys are stored under C:\ProgramData\ssh.

Host keys are used for authenticating hosts (machines) themselves, not users or accounts, whereas identity keys and authorized keys relate to authenticating users/accounts and authorizing access to accounts on hosts. Sources: NISTIR 7966.

By default, this is the right Ctrl key on your keyboard. On a Mac host, the default Host key is the left Command key.

Definitions: A file associated with a specific account that contains one or more host keys. Each host key is associated with an SSH server address (IP or hostname) so that the server can be authenticated when a connection is initiated.

Host keys are stored in ~/. ssh/known_hosts in the user's home directory. Additionally, the /etc/ssh/ssh_known_hosts file is automatically checked for known hosts. Any new hosts can be automatically added to the user's file.

A host keys change may be triggered by a number of reasons. For example: Hosts get re-built (virtualization, cloud servers) without retaining their SSH identity. Reusing FQDNs or IPs in the environment.