How to ssh into your server for the first time

Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol used to connect to a remote server securely. SSH uses encryption techniques to protect the communication between the client and the server, ensuring that the data is not intercepted or modified by an attacker. If you are accessing a remote server for the first time, this guide will show you how to use SSH to connect to your server securely.

Step 1: Install an SSH client

The first step is to install an SSH client on your local machine. If you are using a Linux or macOS machine, you can use the built-in Terminal application. On Windows, you can use an SSH client such as PuTTY or Git Bash.

Step 2: Obtain the IP address of your server

To connect to your server, you need to know its IP address. If you are using a cloud hosting service, you can find the IP address in the server dashboard. If you are using a local server, you can use the ifconfig command on Linux or the ipconfig command on Windows to obtain the IP address.

Step 3: Connect to the server

Once you have the IP address, you can use the SSH client to connect to the server. Open the Terminal application or the SSH client and type the following command:

ssh username@ip_address

Replace username with your username on the remote server and ip_address with the IP address of the server.

If this is your first time connecting to the server, you will see a message asking you to verify the authenticity of the server. Type yes to continue.

The authenticity of host 'ip_address (ip_address)' can't be established.
ECDSA key fingerprint is SHA256:xxxxxx.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

Next, you will be prompted to enter your password. Type your password and press Enter. Note that the password will not be displayed on the screen.

If you have entered the correct credentials, you will be logged in to the remote server.

Step 4: Change your password

After logging in for the first time, it is recommended that you change your password. To change your password, type the following command:

passwd

You will be prompted to enter your current password and then your new password twice. Once you have entered your new password, it will be updated.

Conclusion

SSH provides a secure way to connect to a remote server. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should now be able to connect to your server using SSH. Remember to always use a strong password and to change your password regularly to ensure the security of your server.