Copying an Account with SSH Keys

If you are looking for information on how to use SSH keys for securely copying an account from a server, which is the source server, to another server, which is the destination server, then here’s all the information.

Before elaborating on the main topic, let us digress, and mention in the context of servers that HTS Hosting provides highly affordable and powerful servers, which include our globally popular Virtual Private Servers (VPS). HTS Hosting offers various plans for Managed VPS Hosting and for Self-Managed VPS Hosting that are good value for money.

 

The information provided here uses the below-mentioned definitions.

 

The destination server refers to that server where you wish to copy the account.

 

The source server refers to that server from where you wish to copy the account. It is the server on which the account exists already.

 

It is important to mention here that you should use the public key on the source server only.

 

Never import the private key into the SSH keys of the source server. Secondly, if you encounter issues with session timeouts, then you should increase the number of seconds in the Number of second an SSH connection related to an account transfer may be inactive before timing out setting in the System section of the Tweak Settings interface of WHM.

 

WHM >> Home >> Server Configuration >> Tweak Settings.

 

Process to Securely Copy an Account with SSH Keys

 

The below-mentioned actions need to be performed as the root user.

 

The following steps need to be carried out in order to use SSH keys for securely moving an account from the source server to the destination server.

• Log in to the destination server.

• Use the Manage root’s SSH Keys interface of WHM for generating, authorising, and downloading a new SSH key pair.

WHM >> Home >> Security Center >> Manage root’s SSH Keys.

• Log in to the source server.

• Use the Manage root’s SSH Keys interface of WHM for importing the public key generated by you.

WHM >> Home >> Security Center >> Manage root’s SSH Keys.

• A unique key name should be used for this key.

• The password should be included, if that is necessary.

• The public key should be pasted in the text box, Paste the Public Key

• You should not paste in the private key. The private key needs to remain on the destination server

• Click Import

• Click Return to SSH Manager.

• The key needs to be located in the Public Keys table.

• Click Manage Authorization.

• Click Authorize

• Log in to the destination server.

•  Use the Transfer Tool interface of WHM.

 WHM >> Home >> Transfers >> Transfer Tool.

•   This is done for carrying out the account transfer with the following settings:

• The appropriate information for the source server needs to be entered.

• Select Root, under Login.

• Select SSH Public Key, under Authentication Method.

• Select the key generated in step number 2, from the SSH Key menu.

• If it is necessary, then enter the SSH key’s passphrase in the text box, SSH Key Passphrase.

This concludes successfully the process of copying an account with SSH keys.

 

Source: https://www.htshosting.org/knowledge-base/technology/172/copying-an-account-with-ssh-keys