SSH Keys

SSH Keys are managed and stored within the Lifeboat database. This is to make it easy to connect with different machines using the Super Simple Sync feature. To open the SSH Key Manager, select File > SSH Keys...

Additionally, when creating or editing a server connection selecting the "Authentication" popup menu and choosing "Manage SSH Keys..." will also open the SSH Key Manager. When you close the SSH Key Manager, Lifeboat will populate the "Authentication" popup menu with the last key selected in the Manager.

Management

Import a SSH Key file with the [ + ] button below the list. Private keys should be in OpenSSH format. After import the friendly display name of the key file can be configured. If the key file is password protected click the checkbox to show the password field.

Delete a SSH Key by selecting it then clicking the [ - ] button below the list. Alternatively, right-click on the key in the list and choose "Delete..." from the menu.

Export a SSH Key by selecting it in the list and right-clicking. Select the "Export" option from the menu.

Default SSH Key

It is possible to define a SSH Key as the default SSH Key for new connections. This can save time setting up multiple servers.

Select the key to make default, and check the "New connection default key" checkbox. Deselecting the checkbox for the default key will disable the default SSH Key feature and make Password authentication the default.

Setting a default key can also be done from the right-click menu with the keys list.

Temporary SSH Keys

When this advanced setting is enabled an item appears in the authentication menu that says "Key File..." Selecting this option will cause Lifeboat to ask you for a SSH key file each time you connect. This avoids saving the SSH key file into Lifeboat's data which could be desirable for higher security needs.

Windows / PuTTYGen

When using PuTTYGen to create your key pair, export the private key by opening the "Conversions" menu and selecting "Export OpenSSH key".