How to Connect to Your VDS Server via SSH (Complete Guide)

Introduction

SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol that allows you to securely connect to remote servers. By connecting to your REXE Technology VDS server via SSH, you can gain full root access, install software, make configuration changes, and manage your server.

This guide covers SSH connection steps from Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems in detail.

Prerequisites

You will need the following information before establishing an SSH connection:

Connecting with PuTTY on Windows

PuTTY is the most commonly used SSH client on Windows.

Step 1: Download PuTTY

Download PuTTY from the official website: putty.org

Step 2: Connection Settings

1. Open PuTTY
2. Enter your server IP address in the Host Name field
3. Make sure the Port field is set to 22
4. Connection type should be SSH
5. Click the Open button

Step 3: Authentication

A server fingerprint warning will appear on first connection. Click Accept to continue. Then:

login as: root
root@SERVER_IP's password: YOUR_PASSWORD

Connecting via Windows 10/11 Terminal

Windows 10 and later versions include a built-in OpenSSH client:

ssh root@SERVER_IP_ADDRESS

If using a custom port:

ssh -p PORT_NUMBER root@SERVER_IP_ADDRESS

Connecting from macOS and Linux

On macOS and Linux, you can establish SSH connections directly via the Terminal application:

ssh root@SERVER_IP_ADDRESS

Fingerprint confirmation will be requested on first connection. Type yes to continue.

SSH Key-Based Authentication

Using SSH keys instead of passwords is both more secure and more practical.

Step 1: Generate Key Pair

Run the following command on your local computer:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your@email.com"

Accept the default location and optionally set a passphrase.

Step 2: Copy Public Key to Server

ssh-copy-id root@SERVER_IP_ADDRESS

Or manually:

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub | ssh root@SERVER_IP_ADDRESS "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys"

Step 3: Disable Password Login

After key-based login works, you can disable password authentication:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Find and change the following line:

PasswordAuthentication no

Restart the SSH service:

sudo systemctl restart sshd

SSH Security Tips

Change the Default Port

Moving the SSH port from 22 to a different port reduces automated scanning attacks:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Port 2222

sudo systemctl restart sshd

Restrict Root Login

Creating a regular user and using sudo is more secure than direct root login:

adduser newuser
usermod -aG sudo newuser

Install Fail2Ban

To automatically block failed login attempts:

sudo apt install fail2ban -y
sudo systemctl enable fail2ban
sudo systemctl start fail2ban

Path Panel Firewall Settings

On REXE servers, when an IP has no rules at all, all ports are open. However, the moment you create your first filter rule, the system automatically adds Default Block and only the ports you allow stay open. To secure your SSH access (and to maintain access if your IP already has other rules), create a filter rule for the SSH port (22) via Path Panel or the Rule Management product in your customer panel:

1. Log in to Path Panel or the Rule Management product in your customer panel
2. Click on the relevant IP address
3. Create a new filter rule:
   • Protocol: TCP
   • Destination Port: 22 (or your new port if changed)
   • Description: SSH access
4. Wait for the rule to reach propagated status (2-5 minutes)

Common Issues

Conclusion

SSH is the most fundamental and secure way to manage your VDS server. You can significantly improve your server's security with measures like key-based authentication, port changes, and Fail2Ban. If you experience connection issues, don't forget to check the Path panel firewall settings.