Welcome to this information about pfSense SSH configuration! This tutorial will stroll you thru enabling SSH in your pfSense, including licensed keys, and securing your personal key.
About pfSense
pfSense, based mostly on model CE 2.7.0, is a strong open-source firewall and routing software program designed to offer safety, reliability, and superior options. Certainly one of its highly effective capabilities is SSH entry, permitting customers to handle their firewall remotely with enhanced safety measures.
Let’s Get Began
Step 1 – Allow SSH Entry
Navigate to System > Superior > Admin Entry. Then, beneath “Safe Shell”, click on “Allow”, and choose “Public Key Solely” for the “SSHd Key Solely” dropdown.
Configuring it to “Public Key Solely” necessitates licensed keys, which you could arrange for every person with safe shell entry. Choosing “Require Each Password and Public Key” within the dropdown means the SSH daemon calls for each licensed keys and legitimate passwords for entry. The default setting of Password or Public Key permits logging in with both a sound password or a licensed key.
Screenshot:

Step 2 – Add Licensed SSH Keys
Now, allow us to add licensed SSH keys to your pfSense:
- Within the pfSense internet interface, go to “System” > “Consumer Supervisor.”
- Edit the person that requires the SSH keys.
- Paste the general public key from the newly generated key pair within the “Licensed Keys” discipline.
- Click on the “Save” button to avoid wasting the person configuration.
Bear in mind to take care of the safety of the personal key in your consumer machine. This key’s essential for authentication when connecting to pfSense by way of SSH, whereas the general public key on pfSense verifies the consumer’s identification.
Learn how to generate SSH Keys
Run the ‘ssh-keygen’ command in your terminal:
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 2048 -f /path/to/your/keyfile
As soon as the command completes, you will note a message indicating that the keys had been generated. Subsequently, you possibly can confirm the keys within the specified location.
Your personal key will reside in “/path/to/your/keyfile,” whereas the corresponding public key might be present in “/path/to/your/keyfile.pub.” Sustaining your personal key’s safety is essential, guaranteeing that it stays confidential and is rarely shared. This personal key’s integral for authentication functions. Alternatively, you possibly can share your public key with the particular techniques you plan to entry utilizing SSH. Consequently, you could add the general public key to the authorized_keys file on the distant server.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You will have efficiently accomplished this information about pfSense SSH configuration. When you have additional questions or want further help, please discover the pfSense group for ongoing assist.
You Might Additionally Be In
For extra info, go to the official pfSense SSH entry information.
In addition to: