---
title: Setting up SSH Access
slug: setting-up-ssh-access
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-09-26T20:38:41.932Z
---

While **Web SSH** provides a convenient, browser-based solution for many services, we also support **Direct SSH access** for technical workflows that require local terminal environments.

:::hint{type="warning"}
**Active Sessions:**

If you currently have sessions running, Direct SSH access (via PuTTY, Termius, etc.) will only become available after you have completed the configuration and **restarted your session**.
:::

## Prerequisites: Set Up Your Public Key

Security for Direct SSH access is managed via **Public Key Authentication**. You must have an SSH key pair to proceed.

**If you already have a public key:** Skip down to the Add Public Keysection.

**If you need to create one:** Follow the guide below to generate your key pair.

### Generating a public key

We recommend using **MobaXterm** for Windows users as it provides an all-in-one toolkit for SSH management.

1. **Download & Install:** Visit the official MobaXterm websiteto download and install the Home or Professional edition.
2. **Launch KeyGen:** Open MobaXterm, navigate to the **Tools** menu, and select **MobaKeyGen (SSH key generator)**.
3. **Generate:** Click the **Generate** button and move your mouse over the blank area to create entropy for the key.

![](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize\:fit:614/1*c3Uo_LLcHbt4N60F_JBZtA.png)

**Saving Your Keys**

- **Public Key:** Copy the text from the box labeled *"Public key for pasting into OpenSSH authorized\_keys file"*. You will need this to access CPU/GPU services in the OctaSpace marketplace.
- **Private Key:** Click **Save private key** to store your .ppk file safely. Do not share this file with anyone.

:::hint{type="info"}
On Windows, SSH keys are typically stored in:

C:\Users\\%USERNAME%\\.ssh
:::

## Add public key to Cube

To enable Direct SSH across your services, you must link your public key to your OctaSpace profile.

1. **Log In:** Navigate to the [Cube Dashboard ](https://cube.octa.computer)and sign in to your account.
2. **Access Credentials:** Select **Credentials** from the main sidebar menu.
3. **Paste Your Key:** Locate the **SSH Public Key** field. Paste the public key you generated in the previous step (it should start with ssh-rsa or ssh-ed25519).
4. **Save:** Click the **Add Credential** button to finalize the setup.

:::hint{type="info"}
Ensure you copy the **entire** key string from MobaKeyGen. If the key is truncated, your SSH connection will be rejected.
:::

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/bdsKzi0GSJqADE8y4GkJt/QcoMryH8_qpIXEgcwYXk4_image.png)

Once you have your key configured, jump to [Accessing via Direct SSH](docId\:g9bpkyowq_5Sf2DPHvUR3) section.