What Is SSH And Why Does It Matter?

The business world is more interconnected than ever. About 70% of businesses worldwide have a website, and new brands keep emerging online every day. Additionally, the number of remote jobs has increased drastically over the past few years, where professionals collaborate in real-time from different corners of the world.
This means that a vast amount of sensitive information is stored online these days. That’s why cybersecurity specialists and developers have been working tirelessly to supply the demand for more efficient software and protocols. In this context, SSH represents a major advance. What is SSH, though? Keep reading and find out.
Defining the Concept
SSH stands for Secure Shell, though it can also be called Secure Socket Shell. This protocol can create secure channels between computers even through unreliable networks. SSH protocols encrypt all data exchanged between these computers to secure communications, making it impossible to intercept. This system also requests public key and password authentication for access.
It has become a vital cybersecurity tool for companies where employees need to exchange files and sensitive data, which is pretty much the case for any company these days. Moreover, it creates a safe space for terminals to access remote systems without risking interceptions or intrusions. With SSH, companies no longer need file transfer software, like remote copy and FTP (File Transfer Protocol).
Indeed, SSH is more sophisticated than its predecessors, owning the trust of multinational companies and financial institutions worldwide. Several companies listed on the Fortune 500 use SSH certificates in their IT infrastructure, including big tech companies like Uber, Facebook, and Netflix. SSH certificates are used even by federal agencies and governments.
Linux VPS Hosting - An Accessible Solution
The costs of maintaining dedicated servers can be prohibitively high for many organizations. In this context, Linux VPS Hosting tends to be a much more affordable and flexible alternative. This solution allows companies to effectively manage remote access to their servers, giving them full control over crucial aspects such as file transfers, essential root privileges, and detailed system configurations. This level of control is vital for tailoring the server environment precisely to their operational needs.
Linux VPS Hosting utilizes secure Shell (SSH) protocols to help ensure a safer digital environment for companies of all sizes, protecting data integrity. It also offers great adaptability and scalability, meaning solutions can be precisely adjusted according to fluctuating demand, ensuring optimal performance.
Additionally, a variety of distributions, like popular choices Debian and Ubuntu, are readily available, covering a wide array of technical requirements and user preferences. This broad choice ensures businesses can select the platform that best suits their specific goals and technical expertise.
Small Businesses in the Crosshairs
SSH is a common tool in big companies, but it doesn’t mean small businesses can’t benefit from it, as the Linux OS VPS hosting solution exemplifies. After all, network security is essential to everyone. Besides, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are frequently targeted by cyberattacks since they tend to be more vulnerable than the big shots.
Nearly 45% of all attacks worldwide in 2023 were directed at SMEs. Worse still, 53% of ransomware attacks against small businesses result in losses above USD 500,000. So, SMB managers should forget about the misconception that their businesses are too small to be targeted.
Anyone can be targeted, especially the most vulnerable ones. That’s why more SMBs are investing in their cybersecurity systems. Some of them spend as much as 20% of their budgets; companies that have already been targeted tend to spend even more.
Hybrid Work and Data Safety
The sharp increase in hybrid and remote jobs means that now there’s a huge amount of sensitive corporate data flowing online. In this context, it’s mandatory to use a secure connection protocol such as the SSH to prevent invasions and disruptions in the companies’ systems. Using open-source SSH solution is an efficient way to reduce operation costs and increase safety at the same time.
According to recent reports, over 60% of cyberattacks on companies exploit vulnerabilities in their connection protocols. Worse still, once criminals manage to tap into remote connections, they can cause severe damage to several structures by moving laterally across the network. Contrary to common belief, VPNs, especially self-managed ones, don’t always do the trick, they tend to conceal weak configurations.
The digital space evolves fast and so do the threats in it. Even secure communications like SSH and VPNs could be broken by quantum computing. That’s why developers have been rushing to create quantum-resistant SSH and other encryption protocols, pushed not only by private companies and financial institutions, but also governments worried about protecting their information.
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
We are continuously putting out relevant content. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us!
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Ready to dominate OCR?
Get started now.