# Creating an SSH Key on Linux The easiest way to generate an RSA key pair on Linux is by using the built-in ssh-keygen tool in the terminal. It's fast, doesn't require installing anything, and works on all mainstream Linux distributions. Using a terminal, enter the command: ``` ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com" ``` Replace ** with your own email, or another comment identifying your key. You'll see a prompt like: ``` Enter file in which to save the key (/home/yourname/.ssh/id_rsa): ``` Press Enter to accept the default, or enter a custom path. The path must be in a restricted directory that others do not have permission to access. When prompted to enter a passphrase, you can press enter to skip, or supply a passphrase. This is not the same as your ExaVault account password. The process generates two files: a private key with no extension, and a public key with the extension `.pub`. Upload your public key to your account, and add your private key to your SFTP client. Never give your private key to anyone. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.exavault.com/using-exavault/users/ssh-key-authentication/creating-an-ssh-key-on-linux.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.