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SSH Provides Encryption for Increased Security Over Networks As part of a renewed emphasis on secure computer connections, Berkeley Lab is phasing out such computer telecommunications applications as "telnet" and "rlogin" in favor of "SSH," the shorthand name for the Secure Shell application. By installing SSH on your computer, an encrypted connection is automatically set up each time you log into a system over a network. Here's an example of how SSH provides greater security. Currently, most Lab employees use "telnet "for logging into the LETS system to report their time worked to Payroll. Although employees need a password to log in, telnet sends that password over the network, where it might be detected by someone "sniffing" out confidential information. SSH, though, encrypts the password before sending it across the network, making it much more difficult to "sniff" out. Unencrypted connections over Lab networks pose a "moderate" risk, according to LBNL Computer Protection Program Manager James Rothfuss. However, when employees log in from outside the Lab, the risk is much higher that passwords could be sniffed. The UNIX version of SSH is available at no charge, and the Lab has purchased site licenses for the Macintosh and PC versions for installation on employees' computers. Learn more about SSH, or download the appropriate version |
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