Deleting SSH Keys
The process of deleting SSH keys involves locating and removing the public key file from the remote server. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Log into the Remote Server
You need to have administrative access to the remote server to delete SSH keys for a user. Log in using SSH with an account that has the necessary permissions.
ssh username@remote_server_ip
Step 2: Locate the SSH Directory
SSH key files are typically stored in the user’s home directory within a hidden folder called .ssh. Navigate to this directory.
cd ~/.ssh
Step 3: Identify the Key to Delete
Inside the .ssh directory, you’ll find files with names like id_rsa.pub, id_ecdsa.pub, or id_ed25519.pub. These files correspond to the public keys associated with the user. Identify the key you want to delete.
Step 4: Delete the Key
Use a text editor or command-line tools like rm to delete the public key file associated with the user.
rm id_rsa.pub
Step 5: Verify Deletion
To confirm that the key has been deleted, attempt to list the contents of the .ssh directory again.
ls -l
The deleted key should no longer appear in the directory listing.
Step 6: Restart SSH Service (Optional)
In some cases, it may be necessary to restart the SSH service for the changes to take effect.
sudo service ssh restart
Removing an SSH Public Key for user
Secure Shell (SSH) keys are a fundamental part of modern authentication and secure communication between computers over a network. SSH keys provide a secure way to access remote servers and perform various administrative tasks. However, managing SSH keys is essential to maintain the security of your systems. In some cases, you may need to delete an SSH key for a user. This article will walk you through the process of deleting SSH key pairs, covering every aspect of it.
Contact Us