SSH keys are a fundamental component of the SSH protocol providing a secure and convenient means of authentication between a client and a server. Comprising a public and private key pair they establish trust and encrypt communications. The public key is stored on the server while the private key is kept safely on the client. When attempting to connect the server uses the public key to authenticate the client. This eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with password-based authentication. SSH keys are extensively employed for remote access, secure file transfers and various other communication purposes, enhancing overall security and user experience.
