SSH authentication provides secure, encrypted access to remote systems and services, replacing insecure protocols like Telnet with cryptographic key pairs for authentication. It enables safe remote command execution, file transfers, and server management over untrusted networks without exposing passwords.
SSH (Secure Shell) emerged as a replacement for vulnerable protocols, leveraging public-key cryptography where a private key remains local while a public key verifies identity on the server. The authentication flow uses asymmetric encryption to confirm access without transmitting credentials over the network.
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