# SSH KEY

**SSH keys, or Secure shell keys,** are access credentials used in the **SSH (Secure Shell) Protocol.** They are a pair of public and private keys that are used to authenticate and establish a secure connection between two remote systems over the internet. The public key is placed on the remote server while the private key is kep on the local computer. SSH ekys are widely used for automated processes, implementing single sign on and providing secure access to computer systems, networks, and cloud services. They offer convenience and improved security when properlu managed.

<figure><img src="https://1876135298-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FEC5NwtFshv6EATOemuUn%2Fuploads%2FAIXgkFm6fqdOz8XMxXBd%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c0435119-5b46-4722-b8d8-1e852920030f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
