Answered: What Does SSH Stand For and How It Works?

What does SSH stand for?

What does SSH stand for? SSH (also known as Secure Shell or Secure Socket Shell) is a well-liked protocol for command-line interfaces that allows for remote access. It is frequently used by network administrators to remotely administer systems and applications. SSH enables them to connect to another computer across a network, run commands, and move files from one computer to another.

SSH is optimized for Linux server access, but usable across any operating system’s server. Compared to RDP, another remote access protocol developed by Microsoft offering a Graphical User Interface (GUI) experience for users, SSH is more technically demanding for end-users, and even more technically demanding to set up.

How does SSH work?

You’ll need two components to establish an SSH connection: a client and the corresponding server-side component. The client uses the provided remote host information to initiate the connection and if the credentials are verified, establishes the encrypted connection.

The server monitors the network via a dedicated TCP/IT port, waiting for possible client connection requests. SSH requires the client to provide correct authentication for remote connection. Once the provided credentials are certified, the client may connect and issue SSH commands.

Is SSH secure?

SSH enables encrypted data transmissions between two computers linked via an open network, such as the internet, as well as strong password and public key authentication. It establishes a secure connection using client-server encryption techniques known as symmetric and asymmetric algorithms. Each side exchanges its encryption techniques when the client tries to connect to the server.

Following the selection of an encryption protocol, the client and server use the Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange Algorithm to generate a shared encryption key as part of a symmetric algorithm. Throughout the connection, this encryption key is kept secret and is used to encrypt all communications between the two parties.

To summarize, SSH is a secure protocol.

Bonus tip: Safe remote access software for Windows

After learning what does SSH stand for Linux, let’s introduce safe remote access software for Windows. If you want to remote into another computer more safely, you can use the free and secure remote desktop software AnyViewer.

It adopts the ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) algorithm, which is a powerful cryptography approach, generating security between key pairs for public-key encryption by using the mathematics of elliptic curves.

Besides, as we mentioned before, SSH has no graphical user interface and instead relies on command-line interfaces. While AnyViewer offers an intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI), making it easier to use.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch AnyViewer on both your work and home computer. On the Controller computer, go to Log in, and then click Sign up. (If you already have signed up on its official website, you can log in directly.)

 Step 2. Fill in the signup information.

Step 3. Then you can see you successfully logged in to AnyViewer. Your device will automatically be assigned to the account you’ve logged in to. 

Step 4. Log in to the same AnyViewer account on the two devices, then you can achieve a direct connection by clicking One-click control to achieve unattended remote access.

Step 5. After connecting successfully, you’ll see the remote desktop. Then you can completely control it just like you’re sitting in front of it.

Notes:✎...

You can also upgrade your account to a Professional or Enterprise plan. What can a professional or enterprise plan brings to you:

More devices can be assigned to the same account for unattended remote access.

Connect in privacy mode to protect privacy, which means the Controller can black the remote PC screen and disable the remote keyboard & mouse click.

Faster file transfer speed. Transfer speed for a free account is 500 KB/s, and for a paid account is up to 10 MB/s.

The bottom line

This post primarily introduces what does SSH stand for. Specifically, it introduces what is SSH, how does it work, and whether is it safe. Besides, if you are looking for both secure and easy-to-use remote access tools, you can give AnyViewer a try.