Setting Up SSH Access

What Is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) provides encrypted command-line access to your hosting server. It allows you to manage files, run scripts, use Git, and perform administrative tasks directly on the server without needing a web-based interface.

Enabling SSH Access

1. Log into the SillyHost client area
2. Navigate to Services > Your Hosting Package
3. Click Enable SSH Access (SSH is available on Business hosting plans and above)
4. Once enabled, your SSH credentials will be displayed

Connecting via SSH

Open a terminal application and use the following command:

ssh username@yourdomain.com -p 22

Replace username with your cPanel username and yourdomain.com with your server hostname. You will be prompted for your cPanel password.

Setting Up SSH Keys (Recommended)

Password-based authentication works but SSH keys are more secure and convenient:

1. Generate a key pair – On your local machine, run: ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your@email.com"
2. Copy the public key – Display it with: cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
3. Add it to cPanel – Go to Security > SSH Access > Manage SSH Keys > Import Key. Paste your public key and click Import.
4. Authorise the key – Click Manage next to the imported key and then Authorize.
5. Connect – You can now connect without a password: ssh username@yourdomain.com

Common SSH Commands

• ls -la – List all files including hidden ones
• cd public_html – Navigate to your web root
• nano filename.php – Edit a file in the terminal
• tar -czf backup.tar.gz public_html/ – Create a compressed backup
• mysql -u dbuser -p dbname – Connect to your database
• wp plugin list – List WordPress plugins (if WP-CLI is available)

Security Tips

Always use SSH keys instead of passwords where possible. Never share your private key. If you suspect your key has been compromised, remove it from cPanel immediately and generate a new one.