What Is It?

SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a communication protocol for connecting to remote computers over TCP/IP. SSH is a program that allows a user to log into another computer remotely across the Internet, while maintaining complete security. Encryption provides confidentiality and data integrity, and SSH uses public-key cryptography to authenticate the remote computer and to allow the remote computer to authenticate the user if necessary.

Tatu Ylönen, a researcher at Helsinki University of Technology, Finland, designed the first version of the protocol in 1995. By 1996, a revised version of the protocol, SSH-2, was designed, incompatible with the first version, which now is called SSH-1. In 2006, the SSH-2 protocol became a proposed Internet standard with the publication by the IETF “secsh” working group of RFCs.

Who Is it For?

Companies and businesses desire privacy for many documents that are passed from one computer to another, even within that company’s network. These documents or files often are encrypted upon sending and decoded by the sender through various processes. SSH represents one process that can provide that protection in most cases. Another use for SSH is to protect retail establishments and their customers with encryption for credit card information used in online purchases. Financial institutions may use SSH for protection on numerous transactions and file transfers. Personal computer users can use SSH to encrypt information sent over the Internet from their homes or offices as well, as SSH allows individuals to encrypt anything from emails to file transfers.

Features

Two types of SSH exist, one is a commercial enterprise and the other is an open source product. Each software program produced contains a unique set of features, but they all are geared toward encryption for the sake of security.

SSH-2 features both security and feature improvements over SSH-1, however. Features within SSH-2 include the ability to run any number of shell sessions over a single SSH connection. Additionally, various authentication methods can be used which make SSH more secure than Telnet. With that said, the heavy-weight feature set of the protocol may make SSH a serious security risk if used through a firewall.

Additionally, SSH contains tunneling features which allow users to achieve passage of large volumes of information. These features may make it easier for eavesdroppers to gather information at that tunneling point. These problems often are addressed through deploying a “jump-server” designed to be the sole point of departure for sensitive documents. The configuration of the SSH client on that server is changed often o allow material to cross firewalls safely and to avoid possible eavesdropping. Other options also are available to reduce risks, depending upon the software developer.

Compatibility

SSH is designed to be compatible across most platforms and operating systems. However, that compatibility may depend upon the particular package offered. Most businesses would need to work with a developer to find an SSH solution that is compatible with current company network systems.

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