Common SSH Errors

When you try to connect to another computer or server using SSH (Secure Shell), you might encounter errors. These errors usually mean there's a problem establishing a secure connection between your computer and the remote system.

This article discusses the common SSH errors and how to troubleshoot them. Click on the link below to jump into a specific section.

• Common SSH Errors⤵
• Troubleshooting Steps⤵
• Summary⤵

Common SSH Errors

• Connection Refused: This is the most frequent error. It means the server is not accepting your connection attempts. This could be because:
  • The SSH service is not running on the server.
  • The server's firewall is blocking your connection.
  • There are network issues preventing your computer from reaching the server.
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• Access Denied: This usually means you entered the wrong username or password or your user account doesn't have permission to use SSH on the server.
• Host Key Verification Failed: This error occurs when the server's security key doesn't match what your computer expects. This might happen if the server's key has been changed or you're trying to connect to the wrong server.
   
• Permission Denied: This error usually indicates a problem with file permissions on the server, preventing you from performing certain actions.

Troubleshooting SSH Errors

1. Check Basic Connectivity:
   • Ping the Server: Use the ping command to see if you can reach the server.
   • Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
2. Verify Credentials: Double-check your username and password.
3. Check SSH Service Status: Verify that the SSH service is running on the server.
4. Check Firewall Settings:
   • Make sure the server's firewall allows SSH connections.
   • Make sure your computer's firewall isn't blocking SSH connections.
5. Check SSH Keys: If you're using SSH keys, ensure they are correctly generated, installed, and configured on both your computer and the server.

Summary

Successfully resolving SSH errors is crucial for system administrators and developers. By carefully reviewing the error messages and implementing the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can quickly identify and address the root cause of the problem, restoring your SSH connectivity and maintaining seamless remote access to your servers.

Related Articles

• What is SSH Access and How to Enable It in Your Hosting Account
• List of Basic SSH Commands