# How to generate, convert, and register SSH Keys

SSH keys are authentication mechanisms, similar to a username and password, for the SSH (Secure Shell) network protocol. At Digibee, they are commonly used in AWS services.

In this article, you will learn how to: 

* Generate SSH Keys
* Register these keys on AWS to be used on the Digibee Integration Platform.
* Create files in `.ppk` format. 
* Convert `.ppk` files to `.pem` format. 

## Step 1: Generating SSH Keys

1. Generate SSH keys using a trusted external tool. Ensure that the keys meet the parameters specified below:

* **Algorithm**: Select **RSA**.
* **RSA Key Size**: Select **2048**.

2. In the **Passphrase** field, enter the password to be used for key generation. Be sure to save this passphrase, as you will need it in later steps.
3. Copy and save the **Private Key** and **Public Key** values.
4. Paste the **Private Key** value into a text file and save it in `.pem` format.

## Step 2: Registering the Keys on the Digibee Integration Platform

Once you have the Private Key (or certificate) in `.pem` format, you must register it on the Digibee Integration Platform as a [**Private key**](https://app.gitbook.com/s/jvO5S91EQURCEhbZOuuZ/platform-administration/settings/accounts#accounts-type) account.

1. On the Platform's homepage, click **Settings** in the upper-right corner. Then, click **Account**s in the menu on the left.
2. Click the **Create** button.
3. Select the **Account Type** as **private-key**.
4. Paste the value of the **Passphrase** into the field with the same name.
5. In the **KEY** field, paste the entire content of the Private Key in `.pem` format.
6. Fill in the values for both environments (**Test** and **Prod**) and click **Save**.

When using the connector that requires the Private Key, simply select the created account.

## Step 3: Creating the`.ppk` files

In some cases, in FileZilla for example, the keys are consumed via the`.ppk` format. 

i: To execute this step, you must download and install [PuTTYgen](https://www.puttygen.com/) on your machine.<br>

1. Open **PuTTYgen**.&#x20;
2. Click **Load** and select **All Files** in the search, in the box next to **File Name**.
3. Select your`.pem` format file that contains the **Private Key** and click **Open**.
4. Paste the **Passphare** value in the new window and click **OK**.
5. A message informing that the key has been successfully imported will be displayed on the page. Click **OK**.
6. Now you need to export the key in `.ppk` format. Click **Save private key** and/or **Save public key**.
7. Name the file (for example, `privateKey.ppk`) and click **Save**.

### Converting`.ppk` files into`.pem` format

If you have a `.ppk` file, it’s necessary to execute the conversion to the `.pem` format before registering the SSH Keys on the Digibee Integration Platform.<br>

1. Open **PuTTYgen** and click the **Conversions** menu.
2. Select **Import Key** and browse your file in `.ppk` format.
3. Enter the **Passphrase** in the window that opens and click **OK**.
4. Click the **Conversions** menu and select **Export OpenSSH Key**.
5. Name the file and click **Save**.