Editing DWShells: SSH Key Authentication (section)

= 🔑 DWShells: SSH Key Authentication =

Setting up SSH key authentication allows you to connect to your DWShell securely without typing your password each time.  
It’s faster, safer, and strongly recommended for all users.

== Contents ==
# [[#What Are SSH Keys?|What Are SSH Keys?]]
# [[#Generating SSH Keys on Linux/macOS|Generating SSH Keys on Linux/macOS]]
# [[#Generating SSH Keys on Windows (PuTTYgen)|Generating SSH Keys on Windows (PuTTYgen)]]
# [[#Uploading Your Public Key to DWShells|Uploading Your Public Key to DWShells]]
# [[#Connecting with Your SSH Key|Connecting with Your SSH Key]]

== 🔍 What Are SSH Keys? ==

SSH keys are a pair of cryptographic keys — a '''public key''' and a '''private key''' — used for secure authentication.  
The **public key** is stored on the server (DWShells), and the **private key** stays on your computer.

When you connect, the server verifies your identity using the private key — no password needed.

== 🐧 Generating SSH Keys on Linux/macOS ==

# Open your terminal.
# Run the following command:
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"
</syntaxhighlight>
* You can replace <code>ed25519</code> with <code>rsa</code> (e.g., <code>rsa -b 4096</code>) if preferred.
# When prompted for a file path, press **Enter** to accept the default (usually <code>~/.ssh/id_ed25519</code>).
# Optionally set a passphrase for extra protection.
# After completion, your keys will be located here:
<pre>
~/.ssh/id_ed25519       ← Private key
~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub   ← Public key
</pre>

To display your public key:
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
</syntaxhighlight>

Copy the full key text (starts with <code>ssh-ed25519</code> or <code>ssh-rsa</code>).

== 🪟 Generating SSH Keys on Windows (PuTTYgen) ==

# Download and run [https://www.puttygen.com/ PuTTYgen].
# In the "Parameters" section, select:
   * '''Type of key to generate:''' RSA
   * '''Number of bits in a generated key:''' 4096
# Click '''Generate''' and move your mouse randomly in the blank area to create entropy.
# Once generated:
   * Click '''Save private key''' → save as <code>private.ppk</code>
   * Copy the entire '''Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file'''
# Optionally, click '''Save public key''' for backup.

== 📤 Uploading Your Public Key to DWShells ==

Send your **public key** (the contents of your <code>id_ed25519.pub</code> or PuTTYgen public key) to the DWShells admin team via:
* IRC message to '''@DWRequest''' bot, or  
* Email to '''support@dwshells.darkworld.network'''

Once verified, your key will be added to your account under:
<pre>/home/shelltype(free/support)/username/.ssh/authorized_keys</pre>

== 🔗 Connecting with Your SSH Key ==

=== Linux/macOS ===
Use:
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
ssh your_username@dwshells.darkworld.network
</syntaxhighlight>

If your private key is stored in a custom path, use:
<syntaxhighlight lang="bash">
ssh -i /path/to/your/private_key your_username@dwshells.darkworld.network
</syntaxhighlight>

=== Windows (PuTTY) ===
# Open PuTTY.
# Go to '''Connection → SSH → Auth'''.
# Click '''Browse''' and select your private key file (<code>private.ppk</code>).
# Return to '''Session''' and connect to:
<pre>Host Name: dwshells.darkworld.network
Port: 22
Connection type: SSH
</pre>
# Click '''Open''' to connect using your key.

== ✅ Next Steps ==
* If you haven’t yet connected via SSH, follow: [[DWShells: SSH Connection Guide]]
* For troubleshooting, see: [[DWShells: FAQ]]