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ltdev
Asked: 2017-05-22 02:29:42 +0800 CST

Backup .ssh for new OS installation [duplicate]

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I'm planning to do a fresh OS installation, but first I want to backup my .ssh folder in order to keep my ssh keys. Can I copy it into a usb stick and if so how can I do this? Do I need to do any extra steps in order to "restore" the ssh keys on my new installation?

16.04

2 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    how-to-set-up-ssh-keys-on-linux-unix

    1. How to backup an existing private/public key?

      Just copy files to your backup server or external USB pen/hard drive:

      • Copy files to usb pen drive mounted at /mnt/usb *

      cp -avr $HOME/.ssh/ /mnt/usb/backups/

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  2. For the user keys 

    sudo rsync -arv ~/.ssh/ /media/user/flash

    where /media/user/flash is your mounted usb stick location

    For the server keys

    sudo rsync -arv /etc/ssh /media/user/flash

    After your new set up is ready just perform the reverse.

    Warning This will transfer your personal keys and your server keys (and they can be used to 'be' (not just impersonate) the old server (or you), so be careful what happens to the usb stick after you no longer require it...)

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