Create SSH Keys
Last updated
Was this helpful?
Last updated
Was this helpful?
This page provides a step-by-step guide on how to create SSH (Secure Shell) keys for securely accessing your VPS or server. SSH keys are a more secure alternative to password-based authentication and are essential for managing your Constellation Network validator node.
You’ll learn how to generate a key pair. This guide is ideal for both new and experienced operators looking to establish a secure and reliable connection to their node infrastructure.
We will learn now to set proper permissions, and copy your public key to the remote server later in the documentation.
Before starting the setup process, it is strongly recommended that you create a dedicated backup file to store critical information. This file should be securely saved on a USB stick (thumb drive), a remote secure location, or even printed and stored physically for safekeeping.
Store this file securely and offline.
If it is compromised, it could lead to unauthorized access to your validator node and potentially result in financial losses.
Treat it with the same level of caution as you would sensitive personal or banking information.
Windows 11 (fully updated)
OpenSSH client (comes pre-installed on Windows 11)
Access to Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or Command Prompt
You can use any of the following:
Command Prompt
PowerShell
💡 To open: Press
Win + X→ choose Terminal.
By default, Windows will open PowerShell when launching a terminal session. For the purposes of this guide, we will use PowerShell as the default, as it should not make a difference for the steps involved.
If you're more comfortable using Command Prompt or another terminal, feel free to do so, just ensure any command syntax aligns accordingly.
Run the following command to generate a new ED25519 SSH key:
Explanation:
-t ed25519 → use ED25519 algorithm (modern, fast, and secure)
-C "comment" → optional label (typically your email address)
For anonymity purposes, it is recommended not to include personal information (such as your name or email address) in the comment section when creating your SSH key.
Instead, you may choose to use a descriptive comment that helps you identify the key’s purpose later.
You’ll see a prompt like:
Options:
Press Enter to save in the default location:
C:\Users\YourName\.ssh\constellation_network_keypair
Or type a custom path and filename if you want. Leaving the key in the default location will help us later in the documentation and is best practice.
You’ll be prompted to enter a passphrase:
You can press Enter to skip this step (absolutely not recommended).
Or type a secure passphrase and press Enter.
By default, two files are created in C:\Users\YourName\.ssh:
Private key → constellation_network_keypair
Public key → constellation_network_keypair.pub
When the time comes for your to upload your public key to your VPS, you can return to this section to remind yourself how to do so.
⚠️ Remember the location. Update your with the location now.
⚠️ Remember the passphrase! You’ll need it every time you use the key. Update your with the location now.
⚠️ Remember the file names! You will need to remember your private key every time you attempt to connect to your node. Update your with the location now.
⚠️ Remember the location. Update your with the location now.
⚠️ Remember the passphrase! You’ll need it every time you use the key. Update your with the location now.
⚠️ Remember the file names! You will need to remember your private key every time you attempt to connect to your node. Update your with the location now.