Managing SSH Keys Across Multiple Devices

When working with GitLab or other version control systems that support SSH, you might find yourself needing to generate and manage SSH keys across different machines. This guide will cover how to create SSH keys, safely transfer them, and handle conflicts when identical key names exist on a target machine.

Generating and Adding SSH Keys

Step 1: Check for Existing SSH Keys

Before creating a new SSH key, check if you already have one:

If you find files like id_rsa.pub, you’re set. Otherwise, create a new key:

Follow the prompts to complete the key generation, opting to add a passphrase for extra security.

Step 2: Adding Your SSH Key to the SSH Agent

Enhance management convenience by adding your new key to the SSH agent:

Registering SSH Key with GitLab

Copy your public key to the clipboard, then navigate to your GitLab account settings to add your SSH key. This facilitates secure, password-less Git operations.

Transferring SSH Keys to Another MacBook

If you need to use the same SSH keys on another MacBook, here are safe methods to do so:

Option 1: Using a USB Drive

Copy the key to the USB drive:

Transfer and set permissions on the new MacBook:

Option 2: Using SCP (Secure Copy)

If you’re transferring over a secure network:

Handling Existing SSH Keys on Another MacBook

If you encounter a situation where the MacBook already has SSH keys with the same name:

Backup the existing keys:

Copy and set permissions for your keys:

Use different key names if managing multiple keys:
Adjust configurations appropriately to specify which key should be used for each server or service.

Conclusion

Managing SSH keys across multiple devices requires careful handling to maintain security and functionality. Whether using USB drives or secure network transfers, always ensure your private keys are protected.