SSH keys are the primary authentication method for accessing servers, Git repositories, and cloud infrastructure. Sharing them incorrectly can expose your entire infrastructure to attackers. This guide covers the best practices for distributing SSH keys securely within development teams.
Why SSH key sharing matters
An SSH private key is equivalent to a master password. Anyone with a copy can authenticate as you to any server that trusts that key. Unlike passwords, SSH keys are long cryptographic strings that cannot be memorized — they must be transmitted digitally, which creates a security challenge.
Never do this with SSH keys
- Paste SSH private keys in Slack, Teams, or Discord messages.
- Email SSH keys — they persist in inboxes and backups indefinitely.
- Commit SSH keys to Git repositories (even private ones).
- Store SSH keys in shared Google Drive or Dropbox folders.
- Share one SSH key across multiple team members.
Best practices for SSH key distribution
1. Generate unique keys per user
Every team member should have their own SSH key pair. This allows you to revoke individual access without affecting other team members. Use Ed25519 keys for the best security-to-performance ratio.
2. Use encrypted one-time links for key transfer
When you need to share an SSH private key (for example, a deploy key or a shared service account), use an encrypted self-destructing link. PassLink encrypts the key in your browser and generates a one-time URL that is permanently deleted after viewing.
3. Add passphrase protection
Always generate SSH keys with a passphrase. Even if the key file is stolen, the attacker cannot use it without the passphrase. Distribute the passphrase via a separate secure channel.
4. Use SSH agent forwarding instead of sharing keys
Instead of sharing private keys, use SSH agent forwarding to allow remote servers to authenticate using your local key without the key ever leaving your machine.
5. Rotate and audit keys regularly
Review authorized_keys files on all servers quarterly. Remove keys for former team members immediately. Rotate deploy keys every 90 days.
Special case: Deploy keys
Deploy keys are SSH keys used by CI/CD pipelines to access Git repositories or servers. They should be read-only, scoped to specific repositories, and stored in your CI/CD platform's secret management system (GitHub Secrets, GitLab CI variables, etc.).
Domande frequenti
Should I share SSH keys via a password manager?
Password managers can store SSH keys, but they are designed for passwords, not key files. For one-time key distribution, use an encrypted self-destructing link. For ongoing storage, use a dedicated secrets manager.
Is it safe to share SSH public keys openly?
Yes. SSH public keys are designed to be shared. They cannot be used to authenticate — only the corresponding private key can. You can safely paste public keys in emails, chat, or even public profiles.
What SSH key type should I use in 2026?
Ed25519 is the recommended key type. It offers strong security, fast performance, and short key lengths. Avoid RSA keys shorter than 4096 bits and DSA keys entirely.
Conclusione
SSH key security is foundational to infrastructure security. By generating unique keys per user, distributing them via encrypted links, and auditing regularly, you can maintain a strong security posture without slowing down your team.
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