guide to creating keys in cPanel and logging into SFTP

cPanel is one of the most popular management tools for managing websites and servers. Creating keys in cPanel is often used for secure access via SSH or for managing user access. In this guide, we will explain how to create keys in cPanel in a simple way.

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

1. Log in to your server's control panel (cPanel).
2. Search for "SSH Access" or "Manage SSH Keys" in the search bar.
3. Click on the option found to enter the key management page.

Step 2: Create a new key

1. On the Manage SSH Keys page, click the "Generate a New Key" button.
2. Fill in the following details:

   • Key Name – The name of the key (default: id_rsa).
   • Key Type – RSA or Ed25519 (we recommend choosing RSA 2048 bits or higher).
   • Key Size – We recommend selecting 2048 or 4096 bits for higher security.
   • Password – Set a password for your private key (optional).

3. After filling in the details, click "Generate Key".
4. The key will be generated, and a message will appear confirming this.

Step 3: Activating the Key

After creating the key, you must activate it so that it can be used for secure connections:

1. Return to the Manage SSH Keys page.
2. Under the list of keys, find the key you created and click “Manage.”
3. Click "Authorize" to enable the key for use on the server.

Step 4: Download the key to your computer

1. On the key management page, find the private key and click "View/Download."
2. At the bottom of the screen, under Convert the "id_rsa" key to PPK format, enter the key password and click Convert.
3. Save the file to a secure location on your computer.

Step 4: Connect to the SFTP server with FileZilla using the PPK key

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure protocol for transferring files to a server, replacing the standard FTP with an additional layer of security. In this guide, we will explain how to connect to SFTP using FileZilla with a private key in PPK format.

Step 4a: Download and install FileZilla

If you don't already have FileZilla, you can download it from the official website:

🔗 https://filezilla-project.org/

Install the software according to your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Step 4b: Setting up the key in FileZilla

1. Open FileZilla.
2. Go to the Edit > Settings menu.
3. In the side menu, click SFTP under Connection.
4. Click Add key file and select the PPK file you saved.
5. Click OK to save the settings.

Step 4c: Connect to the server

1. Click File > Site Manager.
2. Click New Site and give it a name.
3. Fill in the server details:

   • Protocol: Select SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol.
   • Host: Server address (for example: example.com or 192.168.1.1).
   • Port: Default is 22 (if your server uses a different port, specify it).
   • Logon Type: Select Key file.
   • User: Enter your username on the server.
   • Key file: Make sure the key you set is in use.

4. Click Connect to connect.
5. You can also add the key to a management tool such as PuTTY or use a terminal:

   ssh -i /path/to/id_rsa [email protected]