2.0 Import SSH keys (on Debian Linux)

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*PAT= placeholder name 

Importing Personal SSH Keys

Applicable to personal / home lab setup

1. Import the user’s GitHub keys so they can ssh from their computer:

   • If any new SSH keys from other devices are added, this command needs to be done again

ssh-import-id-gh [GITHUB USERNAME]

Importing Other User's SSH Keys

Applicable to the Raspberry Pi Club servers - allowing other trusted users ssh access to a system requires more steps:

1. In the sys-admin’s shell, ssh into the system (e.g. node, VM, etc.) you want to give access to, and then escalate to superuser:

sudo su -

2. Create the new user and then add them to sudoers group:
   

   • Set an easy temporary password for the user (e.g. password)

adduser PAT
usermod -aG sudo PAT

3. Switch the newly created user account:

sudo su PAT -

4. Import the user’s GitHub keys so they can ssh from their computer:
   

ssh-import-id-gh [PAT GITHUB USERNAME]

5. Have user ssh into the system and change their password into something secure:
   

   • If any new SSH keys from other devices are added, this command needs to be done again

passwd

Last Updated: 2/20/2025
BY: cygnusx1