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SSH stands for Secure Shell (or Secure Socket Shell). When a user or administrator wants to share data with another system/server over an unsecured network, they use the SSH protocol so that their communication session and data transfer remain safe and protected from external malicious elements. In other words, SSH is used to make data exchange over an unsecured network secure. Whenever you need to directly access the server — to reach the command line and run scripts — you need to make sure your communication session is secure. If you were to access your server without securing the connection first, you would risk having your data intercepted.

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What is the PuTTY SSH client?

A protocol is a set of rules for how something is done; a client is what gives the protocol a usable interface. Take FTP: it’s just a protocol, so a user needs a client that makes use of it. The PuTTY SSH client is one such application that gives users the ability to use the SSH protocol.

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How to use PuTTY SSH with cPanel

To follow along, you will need your cPanel login details and the IP address for a hosting account (or server) that allows SSH connections.

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1. Install PuTTY

Download and install PuTTY on your device. If you don’t have it, you can get it from this link.

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2. Launch and enter details

Open PuTTY. In the field at the top, enter the IP address for your hosting account (remember, it must be an account that allows SSH connections). The adjacent field is the port — by default this is 22, which is what you should use under normal circumstances (only change it if your hosting provider has specifically changed the port). Set the connection type to ‘SSH’, then click ‘Open’.

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3. Enter login details in the terminal emulator

After clicking ‘Open’, the terminal emulator opens. Enter your cPanel username and press Enter, then enter your password. The server will validate your request and a command prompt will appear. You can now access the command-line tools offered by Linux and run scripts.

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Conclusion

Under usual circumstances you’ll be fine using cPanel and WHM for managing your server and hosting accounts. But if you ever do need to work on the command line, follow the steps above and you’ll be good to go.