How to use your SSH key pair to log into another remote machine.

SSH keys are a public/private key pair that allows login to an SSH daemon (sshd) without using a password. SSH keys are generated using the ssh-keygen program on Linux/Unix/ macOS/Cygwin, or with PuTTYgen on Windows.

Note: SSH keys are checked within the sshd program itself, thereby taking precedence over the other authentication methods.

The Department of Energy (DOE) mandates that all DOE facilities use two-factor authentication methods on all gateways into the facility that provides shell access. The SDCC gateways support SSH key login.

Gateway Machines

See our gateway information page for a list of gateways and complete details.

Information on the SSH Gateways at the SDCC

The SSH gateways at the SDCC are the primary "doors" into the SDCC facility. They are only to be used to gain access to the facility, and are not designed for data transfers or interactive sessions. Once you have logged into an SSH gateway, you can continue your connection through to another internal system via SSH. The legacy RHIC and US ATLAS SSH gateways have been deprecated and consolidated into the single set of SDCC SSH gateways.

To manage the SSH keys associated with your account, please visit the SCDF User Account portal. You may view, upload or delete SSH keys associated with your account there.

How to generate SSH key pairs

SSH keys are generated using the ssh-keygen program on Linux/Unix/ MacOS/Cygwin, or with  PowerShell /  PuTTYgen on Windows. For Windows users please go here

Please ensure that the 'Number of bits in a generated key' is 2048 or larger or your key will be rejected.