Create and manage key pairs

Key pairs (SSH keys) are used to secure and authenticate access to an instance. They are a combination of a public key (to encrypt data) and a private key (to decrypt data).

In xneelo Cloud, you can create a new key pair or import an existing public key, then assign it to a cloud instance when you create the instance. Follow the steps below to get started.

If you want to learn more about key pairs see the Key Pairs in xneelo Cloud article.


  • Key pairs page

    The Key Pairs page provides a list of your public keys, as well as information and actions you can perform.

    Key pairs belong to your user profile, not a specific Cloud project. Only you can view and use them. They are available in every Cloud project you can access. 

    As best practice, remove key pairs you no longer use to keep your list organised

    Steps

    1. 1
      Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute >Key Pairs.
    2. 2
      A list of Helpful Articles is displayed at the top of the page.
    3. 3
      The Create Key Pair button allows you to create new key pairs.
    4. 4
      The Import Public Key allows you to import a public key file.
    5. 5
      The Delete Key Pairs button allows you to delete existing public keys.
    6. 6
      The Key Pairs table shows a list of your current public keys and associated information in each column.
    • Name: Name of the key.
    • Type: The type of key pair.
    • Fingerprint: A short sequence of bytes used to identify the public key.

    Read through the sections below for step-by-step guides on each action.





  • View key pair overview

    The overview displays information and metadata about your public key.

    Steps

    1. 1
      Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute > Key Pairs.
    2. 2
      In the Key Pairs table, find the key pair you want to view.
    3. 3
      Click on the Name (blue, hyperlinked text).
    4. 4
      The overview page will display.





  • Create a key pair

    This will create a new key pair in the cloud dashboard. If you want to create a key pair using your terminal, follow the steps here. 

    Creating a key pair will generate both a public key and private key file. The key pair will be generated in the RSA type, in the .pem format.

    The public key will be stored within xneelo Cloud and will appear on the Key Pairs page.

    The private key file will automatically be downloaded to your workstation.

    Steps

    1. 1
      Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute > Key Pairs.
    2. 2
      Select the + Create Key Pair button.
    3. 3
      The Create Key Pair dialog will appear.
    4. 4
      In the Key Pair Name field provide a recognisable name for the key pair. Names may only include alphanumeric characters, spaces or dashes.
    5. 5
      In the Key Type field select SSH Key.
    6. 6
      Select the Create Key Pair button.
    • The private key pair file will be generated in .pem format.
    • The private key pair file will automatically download.
    1. 7
      The new public key will be available in the Key Pairs table.

    Once you’ve generated a new key pair, you should immediately save the private key file and ensure that the file is securely stored and adequately protected.

    If you lose access to your private key you will not be able to connect to your instance.





  • Import a public key

    If you have an existing key pair, or created one using your terminal, you can import the public key into xneelo Cloud and assign it to a cloud instance.

    Steps

    1. 1
      Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute > Key Pairs.
    2. 2
      Select the Import Public Key button.
    3. 3
      The Import Key Pair dialog will appear.
    4. 4
      In the Key Pair Name field provide a recognisable name for the key pair. Names may only include alphanumeric characters, spaces, or dashes.
    5. 5
      In the Key Type field select SSH Key.
    6. 6
      To upload a public key:
    • Select the Choose File button.
    • Select the file to upload.
    1. 7
      To paste a public key:
    • Select the Public Key field.
    • Paste the contents of the public key file.
    1. 8
      Select the Import Public Key button to complete the action.

    Make sure you have the matching private key saved securely. xneelo Cloud only stores the public key.





  • Delete a key pair

    When deleting a key pair it will be permanently lost. The deleted key pair cannot be recovered, as it is removed entirely from the platform.

    Before deleting a key pair, make sure you no longer need it to create or manage access to cloud instances. 

    Deleting a key pair removes the public key from xneelo Cloud. This does not delete any private key file saved on your computer.

    Steps

    1. 1
      Using the menu on the left, navigate to Compute > Key Pairs.
    2. 2
      Find the key pair that you want to delete.
    3. 3
      Select the Delete Key Pair button. The Confirm Delete Key Pair dialog will appear.
    4. 4
      Click the Delete Key Pair button to confirm the action.



Assist Note

When creating a new instance you can assign a key pair to securely connect to the instance. 

You can also take a look at our other articles and guides on xneelo Cloud.

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