I have server-like machines (they are not workstations, fully automated) and I need them to be able to run a script that opens a client ssh connection (to a 3rd party server such as github), and I need it to be run in an automated fashion.
I can do this with private ssh keys, but the problem is that the machine stores the private ssh keys in a user directory with user permissions, requiring the script to be run by a user. I have tried changing the permissions of the ssh keys, but the ssh client complains that this is insecure.
Whether I end up using ssh keys or not, I need a way to securely open a client ssh connection from boot-up without any local OS login.
I am interested in answers about how to this on Linux and/or Windows.