Linux for Developers
/Beginner
SSH (Secure Shell)
Definition
A cryptographic network protocol used for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. It provides a secure channel to log into a remote computer and execute commands.
Explain Like I'm New
Teleporting into another computer. It lets you open a terminal window on your laptop, but everything you type actually executes on a server thousands of miles away, and hackers can't intercept the data.
Real World Example
An AWS server is running in Virginia. A developer in London types `ssh admin@198.51.100.14`. They are instantly connected and can run commands on the Virginia server as if they were sitting in front of it.
Common Use Cases
- •Remote server administration
- •Secure file transfers (SCP)
Interview Questions
basic
- What port number does the SSH protocol run on by default?
intermediate
- Why is it a major security risk to leave SSH accessible via a simple password instead of an SSH Key?