Getting started with Telnet/SSH

As the internet grows it is more frequently the subject of security breaches. The easiest way to hack a web site is to setup a sniff program, usually at an ISP and grab the username and password where a user is logging into. This is very easily done when a client uses telnet because telnet passes all information to the server in clear text. SSH does not pass any information in clear text but rather uses secure encryption.

Telnet Access is only available using SSH.

Any user gaining Telnet Access assures us that they are an experienced Telnet user. In the event that such user causes any server crashes/damages, their Telnet Access privileges will be revoked and denied for any future Telnet use.

If you need telnet access to our servers, it can only be done using SSH. We have it set up to use RSA authentication. You will need to create a key using your PC's SSH software, then use SSH feature within your Control Panel to upload the key to our servers. Contact your ISP to figure out what IP address(es) you are coming from. Then input the IP address(es) into SSH section of your domain's control panel.

Once it is uploaded, you will be able to connect to our servers using a SSH client. There are two companies we recommend who sell client versions of SSH.

1) The most stable is SecureCRT. They have a 30 day free trial available at their web site. SecureCRT is at http://www.vandyke.com/products/SecureCRT This software is available as a 30 day trial and afterwards must be purchased. Below we have provided instructions on setting up the software.

2) A stable international version is available at Datafellows http://www.datafellows.com/download-purchase/ and users looking for a free version or users outside the United States should file through the free implementations at http://www.net.lut.ac.uk/psst/

Setting Up SecureCRT Software

Following is a screen shot of the next screen you will see. (Instructions for this area follow this screen shot.)

NAME - In the text box next to Name, input a name that SecureCRT can use to identify this session that you are creating.

PROTOCOL - Select SSH(or SSH1) from the drop down box.

As soon as you select SSH, additional boxes will appear below that selection as follows.

Connect via firewall - Leave this box unchecked.

HOST NAME OR IP - Enter your domain name or IP number in this text box. (i.e.yourdomain.com)

PORT - Leave the default number that is there.

USERNAME - this is the username that you use to FTP to your account.

CIPHER - Select 3DES

AUTHENTICATION - Select Password from the drop down box.

PASSWORD - This is the password for your account, the same one you use to FTP to your account.

Next you will need to click the Advanced button as indicated in the screen shot below. Be sure to hit the Advance button and not the Advance tab.

In the next screen (Advanced SSH) the Use Global radio button is selected by default, and the text box directly beneath that will automatically be filled in with a file location.

Next locate and click on the Create Identity File button as indicated in the screen shot below. (Everything else on that screen should remain as is.)

The next step will generate the key that will identify to your sessions. This key will be uploaded the first time that you Telnet to your account. Click on Next as indicated in the screen shot.

In the next screen you are asked to insert a Passphrase, by providing this passphrase your key will be encrypted. Next you are asked to Confirm that passphrase just as you are when you provide a password. Once you've provided this information, click on Next as indicated in the screen shot below.

In the next screen you are asked for a length for your RSA pair, just accept the default and click Next as indicated in the screen shot below.

In the next screen your key is actually generated, move your mouse around until the status bars are complete and then click on Next as indicated in the screen shot below.

In the next screen you are prompted for a location in which to save your Key and Key Pair, you can accept the default, however if you want this information saved in a different location be sure to write down the location as it will be needed when you Telnet to your account the first time. Also, you should save both files in the same location. Click on the Finish button as indicated below when you have selected the location.

You are now returned to the Advanced SSH window, just click on the OK button at the bottom of that window to close that screen, as which point you are returned to the Session Preferences Window, again click on the OK button at the bottom of that window to close that screen.

Use SSH feature within your Control Panel to upload the key to our servers. Contact your ISP to figure out what IP address(es) you are coming from. Then input the IP address(es) into SSH section of your domain's control panel.  
You are now ready to Telnet to your account by clicking on File and then on Connect or you can click on the Connect icon (3rd icon from the left).

When you have successfully connected to your account, you may be prompted to save the key. Follow the instructions on your screen and once you've done this you are ready to work within your account. From here it's just like a normal Telnet session.

---

Remote Site Disconnected Message

---

If you receive a Remote Site Disconnected message, don't be alarmed. Ensure that you have properly set up your SSH software, if you are still unable to connect, double check the IP address(es) you entered in control panel. If you are still unable to connect, contact us.