Use SSH Key with Virtual Machine

This guide explains how to connect to a CloudRaya Virtual Machine using an SSH key from different operating systems.

SSH key authentication allows you to log in securely without entering a password every time.

Before You Begin

Make sure that:

• Your Virtual Machine:
  • Is running
  • Has a Public IP address
  • Uses a Linux OS (SSH key authentication applies to Linux)
• An SSH key was:
  • Generated automatically or
  • Imported during VM creation
• You have access to the private key file on your local device

📄 See:

• Create SSH Key
• Virtual Machine Overview

Required Information

You will need:

• Public IP address of the VM

  (from VM Detail page)

• Username, usually:

  • root
  • or the default OS user (for example: ubuntu)

• Private key file:

  • Downloaded .txt or .pem file
  • Generated by CloudRaya or created previously

Connect from Linux

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open your terminal application.

Step 2: Set Private Key Permission

SSH requires strict file permissions.

chmod 600 /path/to/private-key.txt

Example:

chmod 600 ssh-key-myvm.txt

Step 3: Connect Using SSH

ssh -i /path/to/private-key.txt username@PUBLIC_IP

Example:

ssh -i ssh-key-myvm.txt root@198.167.141.78

Step 4: Accept Host Fingerprint

If prompted:

Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

Type:

yes

You are now logged in to the VM.

Connect from macOS

macOS uses the same SSH workflow as Linux.

Step 1: Open Terminal

Open Terminal.app

Step 2: Set Private Key Permission

chmod 600 /path/to/private-key.txt

Step 3: Connect Using SSH

ssh -i /path/to/private-key.txt username@PUBLIC_IP

Example:

ssh -i ssh-key-myvm.txt root@198.167.141.78

Step 4: Login Successful

You should now see the VM shell prompt.

Connect from Windows (Using OpenSSH)

Windows 10 and newer include OpenSSH by default.

Step 1: Open PowerShell or Command Prompt

Open PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Step 2: Navigate to Private Key Location

cd C:\Users\YourUser\Downloads

Step 3: Connect Using SSH

ssh-i ssh-key-myvm.txt username@PUBLIC_IP

Example:

ssh-i ssh-key-myvm.txt root@198.167.141.78

Step 4: Confirm Connection

Type yes if prompted to trust the host.

You are now connected to the VM.

Connect from Windows (Using PuTTY)

If you prefer PuTTY:

Step 1: Convert Private Key (Optional)

PuTTY requires .ppk format.

Use PuTTYgen to convert:

• Load the private key file
• Save as .ppk

Step 2: Configure PuTTY

• Host Name: username@PUBLIC_IP
• Port: 22
• Connection → SSH → Auth
  • Browse and select the .ppk file

Step 3: Connect

Click Open to start the SSH session.

Common Issues and Solutions

Permission Denied (publickey)

Possible causes:

• Wrong username
• Wrong private key file
• SSH key was not selected during VM creation

Lost Private Key

• CloudRaya cannot recover private keys
• Solution:
  • Create a new SSH key
  • Recreate the VM or update access manually

Connection Timeout

Check that:

• VM is running
• Public IP is attached
• Firewall / ACL allows SSH (port 22)

Security Best Practices

• Store private keys securely
• Never share private keys
• Use different SSH keys for:
  • Development
  • Production
• Delete unused SSH keys

Related Pages

📄 Create SSH Key

📄 Manage SSH Key

📄 Virtual Machine Overview

📄 Access Control List (ACL)