gweepnet online help : secure shell (SSH)

What is SSH?

SSH is a telnet-like replacement which does not pass your password in an unencrypted form when you log in. This prevents would-be crackers from obtaining your password by "sniffing the wire" when you log in. An added benefit is that SSH sessions are encrypted, so it is very difficult for someone to eavesdrop on your connection. For more information, please see the SSH FAQ (or see the list of mirrors).

As of July 24 2001, you now must use ssh for interactive access. Telnet has been disabled and will not be re-enabled. The quickest way to get logged in is to use the Mindterm java applet. Go to http://www.gweep.net/login/

What is SCP?

SCP is a utility for securely copying files over networks. It uses a similar authentication/encryption mechanism as SSH, and in fact the two tools are often packaged together. It is recommended (and now required on gweep.net) that you use SCP instead of FTP to, for example, upload files to your home directory or public_html directory. Both the password and the data sent using SCP are encrypted. FTP, like telnet, sends password and data with no encryption, which creates a potential for a malicious individual to get your password.

As of January 28, 2001, you now must use scp to transfer files. FTP has been disabled and will not be re-enabled.

Why does any of this matter? I can handle the risk of someone stealing my account!

Consider that gweep.net provides accounts for close to 300 people and organizations. If your account is compromised, this creates a security situation for everyone with an account on gweep.net. Our policies are in place to protect you as an individual and gweep.net as a whole.

The firewall at my workplace (or coffeshop wifi or ...) is blocking ssh. Help!

Send email to system and we can help you sort out if there's any hope.

Where to get SSH/SCP clients?

[top] [home pages] [hosted sites] [network topology] [gweepnet history] [news] [online help]
Last Modified:

[Powered by FreeBSD]