> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synteq.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synteq.com/dedicated-servers/account-management/adding-an-ssh-key.md).

# Adding an SSH key

## Why should you use SSH keys? 

SSH keys provide cryptographic authentication that is significantly more secure than password-based logins. With key lengths of 2048 bits or more, SSH keys are virtually impossible to brute force, eliminating the risk of weak or compromised passwords.

Unlike passwords, SSH keys cannot be intercepted through network sniffing, keyloggers, or man-in-the-middle attacks. The cryptographic handshake process makes sure that even if traffic is monitored, attackers cannot replay or forge authentication attempts.

## How to add SSH keys to your metal account?

### 1. Go into the SSH Keys tab on your metal account

Start by going into your account settings on [Metal](https://metal.crunchbits.com/), which you can enter by first pressing your name in the right top \[1], and then clicking on `My Account` \[2]

<figure><img src="/files/mJYXG8PnL2DtvxKcMxy5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then go into the `SSH Keys` tab

<figure><img src="/files/8YHTBdvFKK1mUOZo90oF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2. Add an SSH Key

You can do this by either pressing the `Add Your First Public SSH Key [1]` button if you are doing this for the first time, or by pressing the  <i class="fa-plus">:plus:</i>   \[2] button on the bottom right.

<figure><img src="/files/eu1lm0sjSq1US2dFF6dP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then enter in the following information:

* `Enter Name` \[1]: can be any name that you'd like
* `Paste your public key` \[2]: Paste in your public key. You can find it in the file with the extension `.pub`
* `Enter short description` \[3]: Enter a short description of your SSH key

<figure><img src="/files/KSLFSo0U5kr0ijMDhKvG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Save the SSH Key

To do this, just click the `ADD` button located on the bottom left

<figure><img src="/files/GjPof0WYAUDf9cO9fCjl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

And just like that, you have successfully added an SSH key to your metal account which you can use when reinstalling your dedicated server using one of our templates!&#x20;


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