First SSH Connection for Dedicated Servers

Dedicated servers are delivered with a temporary password for your user for security reasons. On your first login to the Linux system, you are required to change the temporary password. We recommend that your first login be via SSH, so you can change your temporary password.

What You’ll Need:

• SSH connection credentials (from the “Welcome” email)
• 2FA Hardware OTP Generator (device for generating temporary codes – PIN)

Instructions for Your First SSH Login

Make a new connection via SSH to the server. At the end of this article you can find recommended SSH applications depending on your computer.
Typically, to open a new SSH connection to your new dedicated server, run the command:

ssh user@myserver.trustservers.gr

Where user is the username and myserver.trustservers.gr is the hostname. You can find both in the “Welcome” email.
Then SSH will display a security message like the following:

The authenticity of host 'myserver.trustservers.gr (1.2.3.4)' can't be established.

This message will only appear on the first SSH connection, and it means that SSH wants to confirm that you are connecting to the correct server (since it has never connected to it before). This is normal and safe!

Type yes and press Enter.

Next, the system will ask you for:
– Password: the initial temporary password we gave you in the “Welcome” email
– TrustServersPIN: A code (PIN) from your device (the OTP generator)

After entering these successfully, the system will immediately ask you to change the password.

You must set a new, secure password (New password) AND you will be asked to type it twice (Retype new password).

When entering the new password, we recommend using the number keys on the top row of the keyboard, rather than the numeric keypad (numpad) on the right, as Num Lock may be disabled.

Below is a screenshot of the above process during the first SSH connection.

Tips for a Secure Password

• At least 12 characters
• Combination of letters (uppercase/lowercase), numbers and symbols
• Avoid personal information
• Don’t use the same password on other services
• We recommend using a Password Manager service or application for secure storage and generation of passwords.

SSH Connection Programs

All modern operating systems provide a way to make SSH connections. Indicatively, you can connect to your server using the following, depending on your operating system:

Windows

• PuTTY – Free SSH client (requires download)
• PowerShell and using the “ssh” command – Pre-installed on Windows 10/11
• Windows Terminal and using the “ssh” command – Modern free option from Microsoft (you’ll find it in the Microsoft Store)
• Wezterm (Windows, MacOS, Linux) – Modern terminal (for experienced users)

MacOS & Linux

• Terminal and using the “ssh” command – Already built into your operating system (macOS and Linux)
• iTerm2 and using the “ssh” command (macOS) – Free alternative option
• Wezterm (Windows, MacOS, Linux) – Modern terminal (for experienced users)