Host Key

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Definition(s):

A public key used for authenticating a host in the SSH protocol to hosts that want to communicate with it (each host also generally has its own private host key). Some hosts may have more than one host key (e.g., one for each algorithm). Host keys are used for authenticating hosts (machines) themselves, not users or accounts, whereas identity keys and authorized keys relate to authenticating users/accounts and authorizing access to accounts on hosts.
Source(s):
NISTIR 7966

Glossary Comments

Comments about specific definitions should be sent to the authors of the linked Source publication. For NIST publications, an email is usually found within the document.

Comments about the glossary's presentation and functionality should be sent to secglossary@nist.gov.

See NISTIR 7298 Rev. 3 for additional details.

Information Technology Laboratory

Computer Security Resource Center

Computer Security Resource Center

Host Key

Glossary Comments