Setting up an SSH tunnel which connects to a single host is a straightforward process which requires a few command lines or an SSH software to execute. For multiple hosts, however, the process of setting up an SSH tunnel which allows secure and private connections requires expertise. IT companies in Ottawa that offer network support can assist Ottawa businesses by providing SSH tunneling services to enhance their network security. There are many SSH tunneling tools which can be used to implement an SSH tunnel, but OpenSSH is the preferred tool for multiple host systems. It allows the setting up of customized client-side connections, each with unique per-host values which can be stored in a configuration file.
For each user in a local network, a configuration file containing a set of options which define connection parameters can be maintained. This set of options can be executed on the command line of a user’s computer and can be used to store common network connection items which are processed automatically on connection. An important item defined in the configuration file is an override value which enables the network administrator to terminate any suspicious connections made. For businesses which require robust configuration files in Ottawa, network support from qualified Ottawa IT companies is necessary.
There are three key options which are required for setting up a multiple SSH tunnel. Each user will require a hostname which shall be used to establish a connection. It is not necessary, however, if the Host definition contains specifications on which host the user should connect to. A username is necessary for each user because it distinguishes them from every other host on the network. Finally, a port is required from which the SSH daemon will run, supposing the SSH instance is not set to run on port 22 which is the default port. IT companies in Ottawa should consult with network administrators of their client businesses so that each user receives the items required for a secure connection.
Securing a shared SSH tunnel requires that cryptographic keys called SSH keys are configured into the server of the SSH tunnel. Two keys, private and public, are required for authentication. The user’s public key must be stored on the server’s directory so that the server will crosscheck whether or not a certain user is authorized to access the network. The private key is used by the SSH client in a uniquely defined way which will prove that they are the owners of the private key. The use of this pair of cryptographic keys eliminates the need for passwords within the network. IT companies can help businesses in Ottawa to define private keys so that network security is maintained.