ssh
Secure remote shell and tunneling.
KaliParrotLinuxlow
pkg: openssh-client
ssh opens encrypted remote shells and can forward ports/sockets — the backbone of remote admin and pivoting.
Syntax
ssh [-L/-D/-J ...] {user}@{host}
Example
ssh -D 1080 user@jump.example.com
Opens a SOCKS proxy on 1080 through the jump host for tunnelling traffic.
Options & flags
What each switch does. Toggle them in the builder below to assemble a command.
Command builder
Tick options (and fill any values) to build a ready-to-copy command.
ssh USER@HOST
Usage examples
ssh -i id_rsa user@target.tld
Key-based login.
ssh -D 1080 user@jump.tld
Open a SOCKS proxy for pivoting.
ssh -L 8080:10.0.0.9:80 user@jump.tld -N
Forward an internal web service locally.
Advantages
- Encrypted remote access
- Port/dynamic forwarding & jump hosts
- Key-based auth
Disadvantages
- Brute-force target if password auth
- Key management overhead
- Misconfig enables pivots
Tags
#remote#tunnel#admin
Official docs: OpenSSH ↗
Related commands
Frequently asked questions
What is ssh used for?
ssh opens encrypted remote shells and can forward ports/sockets — the backbone of remote admin and pivoting.
What is an example ssh command?
A common example is: ssh -D 1080 user@jump.example.com — Opens a SOCKS proxy on 1080 through the jump host for tunnelling traffic.
Is ssh part of Kali Linux?
Yes. ssh ships with Kali Linux (and Parrot OS). If missing, install it with: sudo apt install openssh-client.
What category of security tool is ssh?
ssh is a Core Linux tool with a low-risk profile when run against a live target.
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