From Wikipedia: Secure Shell or SSH is a network protocol that allows data to be exchanged using a secure channel between two networked devices.^[1] The two major versions of the protocol are referred to as SSH1 or SSH-1 and SSH2 or SSH-2. Used primarily on Linux and Unix based systems to access shell accounts, SSH was designed as a replacement for Telnet and other insecure remote shells, which send information, notably passwords, in plaintext, rendering them susceptible to packet analysis.^[2]The encryption used by SSH is intended to provide confidentiality and integrity of data over an unsecured network, such as the Internet.

SSH also known as Secure SHell is a network protocol which permits you to exchange data using a very secure channel between two different networked devices. SSH is one of the secure method for accessing the remote systems. Using the SSH, a user can log into the Linux shell command prompt and can easily execute commands. It gives much similar feel like you are sitting right in front of your linux server and typing commands at the console.

A few years ago, users used to use the Telnet in order to access the servers. However, since telnet is not much secure, and the Internet started becoming open to worldwide audience, servers connected to internet required a more secure way to access the shell.

SSH offers encryption for data transfer that restricts hackers and attackers from hacking your server password and user information. Another benefit of using SSH is that it allows you to tunnel other network protocols. As an example, if you wish to transfer any files securely, you can utilize the SSH in order to encrypt the FTP transfers. This can be done with any type of connection, like VNC or Samba both are good for such tasks.

Using Secure SHell, the user are able to handle their dedicated server remotely, also they can monitor the server logs, install / uninstall software and applications, they can even start or stop services, etc… SSH is able to recognize normal Unix shell commands, which you can use to login as “root” in your server to manage your server with full rights.

Since, SSH is introduced to Linux users, it has become the best and secure method to manage the dedicated server environment. It is more effective and useful to perform various tasks which cannot be done with a web-based control panel. Therefore, SSH is the best network protocol for managing your dedicated server.

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