Adding SSH keys
You can add and store SSH keys in Privileged Access Service. After the keys are added, users with the appropriate permissions can retrieve and use these keys, instead of passwords, to log in to UNIX systems, Generic SSH systems, and network devices.
Privileged Access Service supports PEM and PPK for formatted keys and the following key algorithms:
- DSA
- RSA
- ECDSA
- EdDSA
After adding a key, you can do the following:
- Assign a SSH key to an account. See Associating a SSH key to an account.
- Assign SSH Key management permissions to additional users. See Assigning SSH keys management permissions.
- Specify additional authentication requirements for retrieving a key. See Applying authentication policy to SSH key.
- Retrieve keys for system access. See Retrieving a SSH key.
- See the accounts associated with a key from the Account Usage page. From this page, you can apply specific actions to the account. See Selecting actions for an account for the actions information. Not all actions listed on this documentation page are relevant to a SSH key account type.
There are three ways to add SSH keys:
- Adding the SSH key at the SSH Keys tab (Admin Portal> Resources > SSH Keys > Add Key).
- Dragging and dropping the SSH key at the SSH Key tab (Admin Portal> Resources > SSH Keys > then drag and drop).
- Upload the SSH key while adding the account (Admin Portal> Resources > Systems > Add System).

- Click Resources > SSH Keys.
- Click the Add Key button.
- Enter a Name for the key.
- (Optional) Enter a Description for the key.
- Select the file type using the Type drop-down list.
Click the Select File button.
Navigate to the file location.
Double-click the relevant file.
(Optional) Enter the Passphrase associated with the SSH key if you have one.
Click OK.
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Click the Enter Key button.
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Paste the SSH private key into the text box.
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(Optional) Enter the Passphrase associated with the SSH key if you have one.
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Click OK.
- (Optional) Use the Add to Set drop-down list to add this key to a set.
- Click Save.
This name can be updated on the Settings page after you save this key.
Selecting File allows you to upload a file containing the SSH key:
Selecting Manual allows you to paste a SSH key manually:

Navigate to the Admin Portal> Resources > SSH Keys. At the bottom of the screen there is a drag and drop window that allows you to drag and drop an SSH key.

For steps on how to upload an SSH key while adding an account, see Using the wizard to add systems.