Creating and using an SSH key pair with MobaXterm

Introduction

Creating and managing SSH keys with MobaXterm is very easy. The program uses a full Cygwin stack, so that you can just follow the instructions for Linux or Mac. But the built-in Mobakeygen extension is way more convenient and fast.

Generate the key pair

1. From the menu choose Tools  > MobaKeygen SSH Key Generator 

   

2. Press Generate  and move your mouse around to generate entropy

   

3. Create a passphrase for the key

   

4. Save both keys with a meaningful name

   I recommend using your login name. 
   You can save the keys to any folder, but I recommend creating a new one with a meaningful name, as for instance "ssh keys" 

Add the keys to the SURF system

1. Select and copy the text that appears in "Public key for pasting..."

   

2. Go to the user portal https://portal.cua.surf.nl

   

3. Paste your key into the form and confirm with your password

   

Add the key to a session in MobaXterm

1. In MobaXterm : Open Session > SSH and fill in the details

   

2. Save and use the session to log in

   
   

   
   

   
   

Video Tutorial

Here is a video tutorial on how to create a session with SSH keys. The video's copyright is not ours.