Accessing your VPS: SSH keys
On a Maenda Media VPS you log in over SSH using an SSH key. Password login over SSH is disabled for security reasons: the password shown in your dashboard is a console password and only works on the web console (emergency access through your browser). This article shows you how to create an SSH key, attach it to your VPS and log in securely — all within a few minutes.
Why SSH keys instead of a password?
An SSH key is a cryptographic key pair: a private key that stays on your computer, and a public key that is placed on the server. When you log in, your computer mathematically proves it holds the private key — no secret ever travels across the wire.
| Password | SSH key | |
|---|---|---|
| Guessable by attackers | Yes (brute force) | No |
| Captured by phishing | Possibly | No |
| Revocable per device | No | Yes |
| Log in without typing | No | Yes |
Because automated attacks on port 22 try passwords around the clock, password login over SSH is disabled by default on our VPS plans.
Step 1: Create an SSH key
Open a terminal (Windows: PowerShell, macOS/Linux: Terminal) and run:
ssh-keygen -t ed25519
Press Enter to accept the default location. You can optionally set a passphrase — an extra lock on your private key, which we recommend.
This works on Windows 10 and newer, macOS and Linux without any extra software. Two files are created:
id_ed25519— your private key. Never share or upload it anywhere.id_ed25519.pub— your public key. This is what you paste into the dashboard.
Step 2: Copy your public key
Display your public key and copy the entire line (it starts with ssh-ed25519):
Windows (PowerShell):
type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_ed25519.pub
macOS / Linux:
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
Step 3: Add the key via the dashboard
- Log in to your Maenda Media dashboard
- Go to Services and open your VPS
- Choose Manage → Console & Access
- Scroll to the SSH Keys section
- Paste your public key into the field and click Add
The key is placed on your VPS immediately — no restart required.
Step 4: Log in
Connect from the same computer on which you created the key:
ssh root@<your-vps-ip>
You'll find your VPS IP address on the Console & Access page. SSH automatically finds your key in ~/.ssh/. If you set a passphrase, you'll be asked for it once.
Multiple keys and removing keys
You can add as many keys as you like — for example one per device (laptop, workstation). If several people work on the same VPS, give each person their own key. To revoke a key, use the same dashboard section: click the trash icon next to the key. That device immediately loses access while all other keys keep working.
The web console as emergency access
If something goes wrong — a bad firewall rule, broken SSH configuration, lost key — you can always reach your VPS through the web console in the dashboard (Manage → Console & Access). Log in there with the username and the console password shown in the dashboard. The web console works independently of SSH and of your VPS network configuration.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't my password work over SSH?
That's intentional: password login over SSH is disabled on our VPS plans. The password in your dashboard is a console password and only works on the web console. Over SSH you log in with an SSH key — follow the steps above.
I lost my SSH key — what now?
No problem. Open the web console in the dashboard and log in with your console password. Then create a new key on your (new) computer with ssh-keygen -t ed25519 and add the public key via Console & Access → SSH Keys. Optionally remove the old key from the list afterwards.
Can I use the same key for multiple VPS servers?
Yes. You can place your public key on as many servers as you like; this is safe because the public key is not a secret. Add it per VPS through the dashboard.
What's the difference between the public and private key?
The private key (id_ed25519) is secret and always stays on your computer. The public key (id_ed25519.pub) can be seen by anyone and is placed on servers. Only the combination of the two grants access. If anyone ever asks for your private key, it is always a scam.
Does this work from my phone or tablet?
Yes, using an SSH app such as Termius (iOS/Android). Create a key pair in the app, copy the public key and add it through the dashboard, just like on a computer.