Disabling password authentication

Ways to disable password login

Using nano (text editor)

Enter the command to go to SSHd settings:

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Move the cursor to the line #PasswordAuthentication yes.

Remove the hash symbol (#), making the line active. And change the value "yes" to "no".

Save the changes by pressing CTRL+X and entering the letter "Y" for confirmation.

Restart the SSH service:

sudo service ssh restart

Using sFTP

Connect to the server and specify the path /etc/ssh in the address line.

Open the sshd_config file.

Find the line #PasswordAuthentication yes.

Remove the hash symbol (#) and make the line active by changing the value yes to no.

Save and confirm sending changes to the server.

Restart the SSH service:

sudo service ssh restart

Setting up sFTP authentication via SSH key

After disabling access to the server via password, it will be important for you to enable sFTP authentication via SSH key. This will take no more than a minute.

FileZilla

Open the "Edit" section and "Settings".

Go to the "FTP" subsection, then "sFTP" and add the private key file.

Now FileZilla will use this key when connecting to the server.

WinSCP

Create a new connection.

In the opened window, specify the server IP address and username.

Click the "More..." button under the password input line.

Select the "Authentication" section and add the private key.

Save changes with the "OK" button.

Let's try to connect to our server.

Enter the secret key code (Passphrase), in our case "aeza".

Congratulations! You have connected to the server via sFTP!