Accessing a Linux System via SSH Using a Password on macOS

To securely access a Linux system from a macOS computer via SSH using a password, follow the steps outlined in this article.

Prerequisites

• Ensure that the Linux system is running and has SSH enabled.
• Obtain the IP address or hostname of the Linux system.
• Verify that the SSH service is installed on the macOS computer (pre-installed on macOS by default).
• Ensure network connectivity between the macOS computer and the Linux system.

Steps to Access the Linux System

1. Open the Terminal – On your macOS computer, open the Terminal application. This can be done by searching for “Terminal” in Spotlight (Command + Space > type “Terminal” > press Enter).
2. Initiate an SSH Connection – In the Terminal, enter the following command: ssh username@server_ip_or_hostname Replace username with your Linux system’s username and server_ip_or_hostname with the actual IP address or hostname of the Linux system.
3. Enter the Password – When prompted, type the password associated with the specified user account. Note: The password input will not be visible for security purposes.
4. Confirm Successful Login – Upon successful authentication, you will see a welcome message or system prompt from the Linux server, indicating that you are connected.

Troubleshooting

• Permission Denied (Public Key) – If SSH authentication fails due to public key authentication settings, ensure that password authentication is enabled on the Linux system by checking the SSH configuration file (/etc/ssh/sshd_config) and setting PasswordAuthentication yes.
• Connection Timeout – Verify that the Linux system is accessible on the network and that the SSH service is running (sudo systemctl status ssh on most Linux distributions).
• Firewall Issues – Ensure that the Linux system’s firewall allows SSH connections (port 22 by default) and that no network restrictions prevent SSH access.

By following these steps, you should be able to access a Linux system from a macOS computer securely using a password.