---
type: concept
title: Public-Key Authentication
tags: [security, ssh, authentication]
related: [ssh-gateway, ums]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-06-30
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_technische_infrastruktur_vpn_ssh_gateway.md"]
---

# Public-Key Authentication

**Public-Key Authentication** is the primary method required for accessing the [[ssh-gateway]] at Universität Greifswald. Unlike password authentication, this method uses a pair of cryptographic keys (a public key and a private key) to verify the user's identity.

## Implementation at URZ
- **Requirement**: Login to the SSH-Gateway is fundamentally only possible using this method.
- **Management**: Users are responsible for managing their own SSH Public Keys via the [[ums]] account administration portal.
- **Security**: This method is more secure than password-based authentication as it is resistant to brute-force attacks.
