How to Manage and Import Keys in SecureCRT

# 1. Introduction

This chapter will introduce the process of managing and importing keys in SecureCRT, including a brief overview of SecureCRT and the reasons why key management and importing are necessary.

## 1. Brief Overview of SecureCRT
SecureCRT is a commercial terminal emulation tool that supports protocols such as SSH, Telnet, and others for connecting to remote devices for management and control. Its security features and rich functionality are well-regarded by users.

## 2. Why Key Management and Importing is Needed
In network communications, keys play a crucial role in ensuring the security and integrity of communications. For SecureCRT users, key management and importing can streamline the remote login process, enhance operational efficiency, and also strengthen security.

## 3. Generating Keys
- What are keys: Keys are algorithms used for encrypting and decrypting data. In SSH, keys are used for authentication and encrypted communication.
- Using tools to generate SSH keys: You can use command-line tools like `ssh-keygen` to generate SSH key pairs, including public and private keys.

In the following chapters, we will delve into the key management features in SecureCRT and the specific steps for importing keys.

# 2. Generating Keys

### What are keys?

- Keys are a form of information expression used for encrypting and decrypting data, commonly used for secure communications and authentication.
- In the SSH protocol, keys are typically divided into two parts: public key (public key) and private key (private key).

### Using tools to generate SSH keys

The steps to generate SSH keys in SecureCRT are as follows:

| Step | Operation Description |
| --- | --- |
| Open the SecureCRT software | Double-click the SecureCRT icon or use the shortcut to open the software |
| Enter the key generation tool | Select Tools -> Create Public Key from the menu bar |
| Set key type, strength, and other parameters | Choose the key type (such as RSA, DSA), set the key strength, and specify the path for saving the key |
| Generate the key | Click the Generate button to create the key file |
| Export the public key | If you need to export the public key to a remote server, you can do so here |
| Back up the private key | The private key is crucial for encrypted connections, so please back it up safely |

# Example: Command to generate SSH key in SecureCRT
$ ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 2048 -f mykey

**Summary of key generation:**
- Key generation is the foundation of secure connections;
- The private key must be protected, while the public key can be shared;
- Different encryption algorithms and key lengths will affect security.

### Key Generation Flowchart

graph TD;
     A(Open SecureCRT) --> B(Enter the key generation