How to Connect SSH to PuTTY from AWS?

In the dynamic landscape of cloud computing, AWS (Amazon Web Services) stands out as a powerful and widely used platform. Connecting securely to your AWS instances is paramount, and one popular method is utilizing PuTTY, a versatile SSH client for Windows. This guide will walk you through the process of connecting SSH to PuTTY from your AWS environment, ensuring a seamless and secure connection.

Step 1: Obtain Your AWS Instance Public IP:
Before diving into the PuTTY setup, you need to know your AWS instance's public IP address. This information is crucial for establishing a connection. You can find this in the AWS Management Console under the "Instances" tab.

Step 2: Download and Install PuTTY:
If you haven't installed PuTTY on your Windows machine, you can download it from the official website (https://www.putty.org/). Installation is straightforward; follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Generate SSH Key Pair:
For enhanced security, AWS relies on SSH key pairs. Generate a new key pair using the following command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 2048

This command will create a public and private key pair. Ensure that you store the private key securely.

Step 4: Associate SSH Key with AWS Instance:
In the AWS Management Console, navigate to the "Instances" tab, select your instance, and click "Connect." Follow the instructions to associate your SSH key with the instance.

Step 5: Convert Private Key for PuTTY:
PuTTY uses a different key format. Convert your private key using the PuTTY Key Generator (PuTTYgen). Load your private key and save the converted key in PuTTY's format.

Step 6: Configure PuTTY Session:
Open PuTTY and enter your AWS instance's public IP address in the "Host Name" field. In the left pane, navigate to "Connection > SSH > Auth," then browse and select the converted private key file.

Step 7: Save and Open Connection:
To avoid reconfiguring every time, save your session by entering a name in the "Saved Sessions" field and clicking "Save." Click "Open" to initiate the connection.

Step 8: Authenticate and Access:
PuTTY will prompt for the username; for AWS instances, the default is typically "ec2-user" or "ubuntu." Enter the username and, when prompted, use your private key for authentication.

Congratulations! You've successfully connected SSH to PuTTY from AWS. You can now manage your AWS instance efficiently using PuTTY's user-friendly interface.

Additional Tips and Examples:

• Troubleshooting:
  If you encounter issues, ensure that your security groups allow SSH traffic (port 22) and that your private key has the correct permissions (use chmod 400).

• Multiple Keys:
  If you use multiple AWS instances, manage different key pairs by configuring multiple PuTTY sessions.

Connecting SSH to PuTTY from AWS enhances your ability to interact with instances seamlessly. By following these steps, you've established a secure connection, empowering you to manage your AWS resources effectively.