SSH access basics: connect to your server

SSH (Secure Shell) lets you connect to your hosting server from your computer using a secure, encrypted command-line connection. Instead of uploading files via FTP, you can manage files, run scripts, restart services, and monitor your server directly from the terminal.

What is SSH?

SSH is a network protocol that creates a secure tunnel between your computer and your hosting server. Everything you type and every command result is encrypted, so your login credentials and server activity are private and protected from eavesdropping.

Key characteristics:

• Encrypted communication - All data between you and the server is encrypted
• Command-line access - You run commands directly on your server
• File transfer capability - SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) lets you upload/download files securely
• No password needed - SSH keys allow passwordless login (more secure)
• Remote administration - Manage databases, view logs, restart services, etc.

Why SSH is secure

Encryption:

FTP sends your login credentials in plain text. Anyone monitoring your internet connection could capture them. SSH encrypts everything, so only you and your server can read the data.

Public key authentication:

With SSH keys, you don't need to transmit your password at all. Instead, you have a private key on your computer and a public key on the server. Only matching keys can authenticate—much harder to crack than guessing a password.

Protection against attacks:

• Man-in-the-middle attacks blocked by encryption
• Brute-force password attacks harder (can be disabled with key-only auth)
• Server key verification prevents impersonation

SSH vs. FTP comparison

Recommendation: Use SSH for any access to your server. For file transfers, use SFTP (which runs over SSH). Avoid FTP entirely due to security risks.

Get your SSH credentials

For Cloud VPS & Dedicated Servers:

1. Log in to CustomerPanel
2. Go to Services → My Services
3. Click your VPS or Dedicated Server service
4. Look for Server Details, VPS Information, or Service Details
5. Find: Server IP address, SSH port (usually 22), Root password
6. Username for VPS/Dedicated is usually root

Your SSH password is in your welcome email - check the email from UnderHost you received when your VPS/Dedicated Server was activated. If you can't find it, check your CustomerPanel service details or open a support ticket.

Example SSH details for a VPS:

Server IP: 192.168.1.100
Port: 22
Username: root
Password: (from welcome email)

Connect for the first time

On Windows (using PuTTY):

1. Download PuTTY (free SSH client)
2. Run putty.exe
3. In Host Name, enter your server hostname (e.g., server1.underhost.com)
4. Check Port is 22 (usually default)
5. Click Open
6. When prompted, type your username and press Enter
7. Type your password (it won't show as you type—this is normal) and press Enter
8. If successful, you'll see a command prompt like user@server:~$

On Mac/Linux (built-in Terminal):

1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities → Terminal)
2. Type: ssh username@server.underhost.com
3. Press Enter
4. Type your password when prompted (won't show as you type)
5. Press Enter
6. You should see the server prompt: user@server:~$

If connection fails:

See "Troubleshooting connection" section below.

Basic SSH commands

After you're connected, you can run commands. Here are the most useful ones:

Safe command tips:

• Be careful with rm - It permanently deletes files (no recycle bin)
• Never use rm -rf / - This destroys your entire server
• Test commands on backups first - Especially if modifying files
• Use ls before destructive commands - Verify you're in the right folder

Troubleshooting connection

"Connection refused"

Problem: Server is not accepting your connection.

Solutions:

• Check the port number (usually 22, but verify in your account details)
• Verify the hostname is correct (should match your welcome email)
• Wait 5-10 minutes—sometimes SSH is temporarily unavailable
• Check your firewall isn't blocking port 22
• For VPS, verify the server is powered on (check CustomerPanel)

"Permission denied (publickey,password)"

Problem: Your username or password is wrong.

Solutions:

• Check username spelling (case-sensitive)
• Verify password from welcome email (check for special characters)
• If you've changed your cPanel password, use the new one
• Passwords sometimes have caps lock or spacing issues—retype carefully

"Host key verification failed"

Problem: SSH doesn't recognize the server (usually safe, first connection).

Solution:

Type yes when asked "Are you sure you want to continue connecting?"

"Connection timed out"

Problem: Your computer can't reach the server (network issue).

Solutions:

• Check your internet connection
• Check your firewall (ISP or local firewall)
• Try a mobile hotspot to isolate the problem
• Contact UnderHost support if still failing

Still having trouble?

Open a support ticket and include:

• Your exact error message
• The command you're trying to run
• Your username
• Whether it's shared hosting or VPS

Related: SSH key authentication | SFTP guide | Command-line basics | FTP basics comparison

Related articles