How to Connect to Your VPS and Secure Your Access: Complete Guide

When you receive your VPS credentials by email, it means your server is ready to use. You now have full access to a dedicated virtual machine hosted on our infrastructure, with guaranteed performance and total freedom to configure it.

In this article, we will go step by step to show you how to connect to your VPS via SSH (the standard secure protocol), using tools like PuTTY or other alternatives, how to change your default password, and best practices to apply from your first connection.

1. Understanding the Credentials Received by Email

After your VPS is created, you will receive a welcome email containing all the information necessary for your first connection. Here is what you will find:

• VPS IP Address: This is the unique address that allows you to reach your server on the Internet.
• Username (login): Usually root for Linux VPS, which gives you full administrator access.
• Password: A temporary password automatically generated for the first connection.
• SSH Port: By default, port 22 is used for establishing the secure connection.

Keep this information confidential: it grants full access to your server.

2. What is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure protocol that allows you to connect remotely to your server and execute commands as if you were in front of the screen. It encrypts all communications, thus ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.

For Windows, macOS, or Linux users, several programs make using SSH easy. The most well-known are:

• PuTTY – a lightweight and free SSH client, very popular on Windows.
• MobaXterm – an all-in-one tool with terminal, editor, and integrated file transfer.
• Bitvise SSH Client – a powerful and ergonomic alternative, ideal for advanced users.

3. Download and Install an SSH Client

➡️ Option 1: Using PuTTY

PuTTY is the easiest solution to get started. Here is how to install and use it:

1. Go to the official site: https://www.putty.org/.
2. Download the version adapted to your system (Windows 64-bit or 32-bit).
3. Install PuTTY by following the steps provided.

Once PuTTY is launched, you will see a window where you enter:

• Host Name (or IP address): your VPS IP address received by email.
• Port: 22
• Connection type: SSH

Then click Open. A black window opens: this is your SSH terminal.

The system then asks you:

• login as: → type root
• password: → enter the received password (no characters appear, this is normal)

You are now connected to your VPS.

➡️ Option 2: Using MobaXterm

MobaXterm is an excellent alternative to PuTTY, with a session manager and integrated file explorer.

To connect:

1. Download the free version from the official site.
2. Launch the software and click Session → SSH.
3. Enter your VPS IP address, username (root), and leave the default port (22).
4. Click OK to open the connection.

You can even transfer files easily thanks to the integrated side view (FTP/SFTP type).

➡️ Option 3: Using Bitvise SSH Client

Bitvise SSH Client is another full-featured SSH client for Windows. It offers a terminal, SSH key manager, and a graphical secure file transfer tool.

Procedure:

1. Download the software from the official link.
2. Enter your VPS IP address in “Host”, port 22, and login root.
3. Click Login and enter your password.

Once connected, you have full access to your terminal and files.

4. Change the Default Password (Strongly Recommended)

For security reasons, it is essential to change the default password on your first connection.

Here is the command to run once connected:

passwd

The system will ask you for:

• Your old password
• The new password
• Confirmation of the new password

Choose a complex password containing letters, numbers, and symbols. This prevents automated hacking attempts.

5. Further Secure Your VPS

After changing the password, here are some best practices to apply:

• Create a new user without root rights and disable direct login for the root account.
• Enable SSH key authentication (more secure than password authentication).
• Regularly update your system with the command: apt update && apt upgrade -y.
• Install a firewall (such as ufw) to limit connections to essential ports.
• Back up your data regularly.

6. Quick Summary of Steps

1. Check your credentials received by email (IP, root, password, port 22).
2. Download an SSH client: PuTTY, MobaXterm or Bitvise.
3. Connect to your VPS via SSH.
4. Immediately change the default password with the command passwd.
5. Secure and customize your server as needed.

Conclusion

You now know how to connect to your VPS, secure it, and start using it. By following these steps, you ensure the stability and security of your hosting environment.

To go further, discover our other tutorials on Linux management, website installation, and firewall configuration at https://vps1euro.fr.