Using SSH Key to Connect to Server

Want secure, command-line access to your server or WordPress CLI? This step-by-step guide shows you how to connect using an SSH key — the safest method available.

🔒 Why Use SSH Keys for Server Access?

SSH (Secure Shell) keys offer a more secure way to access your server than traditional passwords. Instead of typing a password every time, you use a private key stored on your device and a public key stored on your server.

This method:

• Reduces brute-force attack risks

• Lets you safely use tools like WP-CLI

• Enables automated deployments and updates

Pressillion requires SSH key authentication for server access – no passwords allowed.

✅ Note: This guide is for Mac and Linux users. If you’re on Windows, use PuTTY or the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).

🚀 Quick Overview: SSH Key Setup Steps

🧪 Step-by-Step Instructions (Mac/Linux)

✅ Step 1: Open Terminal

Click the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of your screen and type:

terminal

Hit Enter to open the Terminal app.

✅ Step 2: Generate Your SSH Key Pair

In Terminal, run the command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa

When prompted for a file location, press Enter to accept the default:

/Users/yourname/.ssh/id_rsa

You can add a passphrase or just press Enter again to skip.

This generates:

• id_rsa – your private key (keep this safe)
• id_rsa.pub – your public key (safe to share)

✅ Step 3: Copy Your Public Key

Go to your .ssh directory:

cd ~/.ssh

List the files:

ls

Display your public key:

cat id_rsa.pub

Copy the entire output (it starts with ssh-rsa).

✅ Step 4: Add the Public Key to Pressillion

1. Log into your Pressillion dashboard
2. Click your username in the top-right corner
3. Go to SSH Keys
4. Click New SSH Key
5. Enter a name and paste the public key
6. Click Add Key

✅ Step 5: Assign the Key to Your Server

1. Go to the Servers section in Pressillion
2. Select your server
3. Click the SSH tab
4. Select your key from the list and click Add to Server

Need help? See Adding & Removing SSH Keys on Your Server.

✅ Step 6: Connect to Your Server via Terminal

In Terminal, connect using this format:

ssh root@your.server.ip.address

If it’s your first time connecting, confirm the authenticity prompt:

yes

Once connected, run commands like:

wp plugin list

💡 Bonus Tips

• Never share your private key (id_rsa)
• Generate unique keys for each device
• Use ssh-add to store keys in macOS Keychain
• Remove keys anytime via the Pressillion dashboard

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t Pressillion support password login?
Because SSH keys are more secure. Passwords are easily brute-forced, keys are not.

Can I use the same key on multiple servers?
Yes. Add the key to your account once, then assign it to as many servers as needed.

What if I already have an SSH key?
No problem. Skip Step 2 and just upload your existing id_rsa.pub.

What happens if I lose my private key?
You’ll need to generate a new one and re-add the public key in your account.

How do I revoke access?
Remove the key from your account or unassign it from the specific serve

✅ Recap

• Generate a key with ssh-keygen -t rsa
• Copy the public key using cat id_rsa.pub
• Upload it to your Pressillion dashboard
• Assign it to your server
• Connect securely with ssh root@your.server.ip.address

You’re now ready to work with WP-CLI, secure scripts, and server management – no password required.

Sources:

• OpenSSH Manual – ssh-keygen
• WordPress.org – WP-CLI
• GitHub Docs – Generating a new SSH key

• DigitalOcean SSH Tutorial