## Generating an SSH key pair by using PuTTY 

To use the CLI with SSH keys enabled, you must generate an SSH key pair. SSH keys can be generated from a Windows host by using the PuTTY key generator, PuTTYgen. Complete the following steps: 

1. Run puttygen.exe . 

2. Click SSH-2 RSA  as the type of key to generate. 

Keep the number of bits in a generated key value at 1024 . 

3. Click Generate  and then, move the mouse cursor around the blank area of the key section to generate the random characters that create a unique key. When the key is generated, the information about the new key is displayed in the key section. 

4. (Optional) Enter a passphrase in the key passphrase and confirm passphrase fields. The passphrase encrypts the key on the disk; therefore, it is not possible to use the key without first entering the passphrase. 

5. Save the public key by completing the following steps: 

a. Click Save public key . You are prompted for the name and location of the public key. 

b. Enter icat.pub  as the name of the public key and specify the location where you want to save the public key. For example, you can create a local directory that is named keys to store the public and private keys. 

c. Click Save . 

6. Save the private key by completing the following steps: 

a. Click Save private key . The PuTTYgen Warning panel is displayed. 

b. Click Yes  to save the private key without a passphrase. 

c. Enter the name of the private key and specify the location where you want to save it. For example, you can create a local directory that is named keys  to store the public and private keys. We suggest that you save your public and private keys in the same location. 

d. Click Save . 

7. Close the PuTTY Key Generator window. 

