SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol for securely connecting remote computers over an unsecured network. It provides a secure way for users to access and manage their systems remotely over the internet.
The SSH protocol works by establishing a secure encrypted session between a client computer and a remote server. The client software initiates the connection by sending a request to the server, and the server responds with an encrypted challenge message.
The client then encrypts the challenge message with a key known only to the client and sends it back to the server. If the server is able to decrypt the message successfully with its own private key, the connection is established and the session keys are exchanged.
Once the session is established, all data transmitted between the client and the server is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering. This provides a secure channel for the user to log in, run commands, and transfer files to and from the remote server.
Overall, SSH provides a secure, reliable and efficient way to remotely manage and access resources on a network.