Bitvise Tutorial: Getting Started with SSH

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Okay, here’s a comprehensive article, aiming for approximately 5000 words, detailing how to get started with SSH using Bitvise SSH Client. This will cover installation, basic connection setup, key-based authentication, port forwarding, and troubleshooting common issues.

Bitvise Tutorial: Getting Started with SSH – A Comprehensive Guide

Secure Shell (SSH) is a fundamental tool for anyone managing servers, transferring files securely, or accessing remote systems. It provides an encrypted connection between your computer (the client) and a remote server, protecting your data from eavesdropping and tampering. Bitvise SSH Client is a powerful, free (for personal use), and feature-rich Windows SSH client that makes connecting to SSH servers easy and secure. This guide will walk you through every step of getting started with Bitvise, from installation to advanced configuration.

Table of Contents:

  1. Introduction to SSH and Bitvise

    • 1.1 What is SSH?
    • 1.2 Why Use SSH?
    • 1.3 What is Bitvise SSH Client?
    • 1.4 Bitvise SSH Client vs. Bitvise SSH Server
    • 1.5 Licensing and Cost
    • 1.6 System Requirements

  2. Downloading and Installing Bitvise SSH Client

    • 2.1 Downloading the Installer
    • 2.2 Running the Installer
    • 2.3 Installation Options
    • 2.4 First Launch and Initial Configuration

  3. Connecting to an SSH Server: The Basics

    • 3.1 Gathering Connection Information
    • 3.2 The Bitvise SSH Client Interface
    • 3.3 Establishing a Basic Connection (Password Authentication)
    • 3.4 Saving Profiles for Future Connections
    • 3.5 Understanding the “Login” and “Terminal” Tabs

  4. Key-Based Authentication: Enhanced Security

    • 4.1 Why Use Key-Based Authentication?
    • 4.2 Generating a Key Pair with Bitvise
    • 4.3 Managing Keypairs with the Client Key Manager
    • 4.4 Uploading the Public Key to the Server
      • 4.4.1 Manual Upload (Copy and Paste)
      • 4.4.2 Using Bitvise’s “Import Public Key” Feature (if supported by the server)
    • 4.5 Connecting with Key-Based Authentication
    • 4.6 Passphrase Protection for Private Keys
    • 4.7 Using an Existing Key Pair (e.g., from PuTTY)

  5. Secure File Transfer (SFTP) with Bitvise

    • 5.1 Understanding SFTP
    • 5.2 The Bitvise SFTP Interface
    • 5.3 Uploading Files
    • 5.4 Downloading Files
    • 5.5 Navigating Directories
    • 5.6 Creating and Deleting Files and Directories
    • 5.7 Setting File Permissions

  6. Port Forwarding (Tunneling) with Bitvise

    • 6.1 What is Port Forwarding?
    • 6.2 Local Port Forwarding (Client-to-Server)
      • 6.2.1 Use Case: Accessing a Web Server Behind a Firewall
      • 6.2.2 Setting up Local Port Forwarding in Bitvise
    • 6.3 Remote Port Forwarding (Server-to-Client)
      • 6.3.1 Use Case: Exposing a Local Service to the Internet
      • 6.3.2 Setting up Remote Port Forwarding in Bitvise (Requires Server Configuration)
    • 6.4 Dynamic Port Forwarding (SOCKS Proxy)
      • 6.4.1 Use Case: Browsing the Web Through the SSH Server
      • 6.4.2 Setting up Dynamic Port Forwarding in Bitvise

  7. Advanced Bitvise Configuration

    • 7.1 The “Options” Tab: Fine-Tuning Your Connection
      • 7.1.1 Terminal Settings (Colors, Font, Behavior)
      • 7.1.2 SFTP Settings (Transfer Modes, Defaults)
      • 7.1.3 Proxy Settings
      • 7.1.4 Reconnection Settings
      • 7.1.5 On-Login Actions (Executing Commands Automatically)
    • 7.2 The “Services” Tab: Enabling/Disabling Features
    • 7.3 Command-Line Usage (bvRun, sexec, stermc, sftpc)
    • 7.4 Using Bitvise with Other Applications (e.g., WinSCP)

  8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

    • 8.1 Connection Refused
    • 8.2 Authentication Failed
    • 8.3 Host Key Verification Failed
    • 8.4 “Server Disconnected” Errors
    • 8.5 SFTP Transfer Problems
    • 8.6 Port Forwarding Not Working
    • 8.7 Finding Help and Support

  9. Security Best Practices

    • 9.1 Use Strong Passphrases
    • 9.2 Disable Root Login
    • 9.3 Use Key-Based Authentication
    • 9.4 Keep Bitvise Updated
    • 9.5 Configure Server-Side Security
    • 9.6 Use a Firewall

10. Conclusion

1. Introduction to SSH and Bitvise

1.1 What is SSH?

SSH, or Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol that provides a secure way to access and manage remote computers and servers over an unsecured network, such as the internet. It replaces older, insecure protocols like Telnet and FTP, which transmit data in plain text, making them vulnerable to interception.

1.2 Why Use SSH?

SSH offers numerous benefits:

  • Security: SSH encrypts all communication between the client and the server, protecting sensitive data like passwords, usernames, and commands from being read by unauthorized parties. This encryption uses strong cryptographic algorithms.
  • Authentication: SSH provides robust authentication mechanisms, including password-based authentication (less secure) and key-based authentication (more secure). Key-based authentication uses a pair of cryptographic keys (public and private) to verify identity without transmitting passwords.
  • Data Integrity: SSH ensures that the data transmitted between the client and server hasn’t been tampered with during transit. It uses message authentication codes (MACs) to detect any modifications.
  • Versatility: SSH is used for a wide range of tasks, including:
    • Remote Server Administration: Managing and configuring servers remotely.
    • Secure File Transfer (SFTP): Transferring files securely between your computer and a server.
    • Port Forwarding (Tunneling): Creating secure tunnels for other applications, allowing them to communicate securely through the SSH connection.
    • Remote Command Execution: Running commands on a remote server as if you were directly logged in.
    • Secure Copy (SCP): Another method for secure file transfer (though SFTP is generally preferred).

1.3 What is Bitvise SSH Client?

Bitvise SSH Client is a free (for personal, non-commercial use) and powerful SSH client for Windows. It provides a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) for connecting to SSH servers, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users. It also includes a command-line interface for advanced users and scripting.

Key Features of Bitvise SSH Client:

  • User-Friendly Interface: A clean and intuitive GUI makes it easy to connect, transfer files, and manage connections.
  • SFTP Client: A built-in SFTP client for secure file transfer, with a graphical interface similar to Windows Explorer.
  • Terminal Emulator: A robust terminal emulator that supports various terminal types (e.g., xterm, vt100) and allows you to interact with the remote server’s command line.
  • Port Forwarding: Supports local, remote, and dynamic port forwarding (SOCKS proxy).
  • Key-Based Authentication: Easy generation and management of SSH key pairs for enhanced security.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO): Supports Kerberos and NTLM authentication for integration with Windows domains.
  • Command-Line Tools: Includes command-line utilities (bvRun, sexec, stermc, sftpc) for scripting and automation.
  • Automatic Reconnection: Automatically reconnects to the server if the connection is lost.
  • Customization: Highly configurable, allowing you to customize terminal settings, SFTP behavior, and more.
  • Regular Updates: Bitvise is actively maintained and updated, ensuring compatibility and security.

1.4 Bitvise SSH Client vs. Bitvise SSH Server

It’s important to distinguish between Bitvise SSH Client and Bitvise SSH Server:

  • Bitvise SSH Client: This is the software you install on your computer (the client) to connect to an SSH server.
  • Bitvise SSH Server: This is software you install on a remote server to allow SSH connections to that server.

This tutorial focuses on Bitvise SSH Client. If you need to set up an SSH server, you’ll need to look at Bitvise SSH Server documentation or other SSH server software (like OpenSSH).

1.5 Licensing and Cost

Bitvise SSH Client is free for personal, non-commercial use. For commercial use, a license is required. You can find detailed licensing information on the Bitvise website. The free version is fully functional and doesn’t have any artificial limitations.

1.6 System Requirements

Bitvise SSH Client runs on Windows operating systems. Officially supported versions typically include:

  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2, 2012, 2008 R2

Bitvise generally supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. It’s recommended to use a 64-bit version if your system supports it. There are no specific hardware requirements beyond what’s needed to run the Windows operating system itself.

2. Downloading and Installing Bitvise SSH Client

2.1 Downloading the Installer

  1. Go to the Bitvise website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Bitvise website: https://www.bitvise.com/
  2. Find the download page: Look for the “Downloads” section or a link to “SSH Client.”
  3. Choose the correct installer: Select the appropriate installer for your Windows version (usually the “BvSshClient-Inst” file, which is the recommended installer). The “portable” version does not require installation but lacks some features.

2.2 Running the Installer

  1. Locate the downloaded file: Find the downloaded installer file (e.g., BvSshClient-Inst.exe) in your Downloads folder.
  2. Double-click the installer: Double-click the file to start the installation process.
  3. User Account Control (UAC): If prompted by User Account Control, click “Yes” to allow the installer to make changes to your computer.

2.3 Installation Options

The Bitvise installer provides several options:

  • Installation Type:
    • Install for all users (recommended): Installs Bitvise for all user accounts on the computer. This requires administrator privileges.
    • Install for current user only: Installs Bitvise only for the current user account. This doesn’t require administrator privileges.
  • Installation Directory: You can choose where to install Bitvise. The default location is usually fine.
  • Start Menu Shortcuts: Choose whether to create Start Menu shortcuts.
  • Desktop Shortcut: Choose whether to create a desktop shortcut.
  • Associate .bscp files: This allows you to double-click Bitvise profile files (.bscp) to open them directly in Bitvise.
  • Accept License Agreement: You must accept the license agreement before proceeding.

2.4 First Launch and Initial Configuration

  1. Launch Bitvise: After the installation is complete, you can launch Bitvise from the Start Menu or the desktop shortcut (if you created one).
  2. Initial Configuration (Optional): On the first launch, Bitvise might ask if you want to import settings from other SSH clients (like PuTTY). You can choose to do this or skip it.
  3. Host Key Verification: If this is your very first SSH connection ever, you may be prompted to “Accept and Save” an unknown host key. This only happens the very first time you connect to ANY server. This prompt is important and is discussed later in the troubleshooting section. For now, as long as you are connecting to a known and trusted server, accept the key.

3. Connecting to an SSH Server: The Basics

3.1 Gathering Connection Information

Before you can connect to an SSH server, you need to gather the following information:

  • Host: The hostname or IP address of the SSH server. This could be something like example.com, ssh.example.com, or 192.168.1.100.
  • Port: The port number the SSH server is listening on. The default SSH port is 22, but the server administrator might have changed it for security reasons.
  • Username: Your username on the remote server.
  • Password (for password authentication): Your password on the remote server. OR
  • Private Key (for key-based authentication): The path to your private key file if you’re using key-based authentication (recommended).

You should obtain this information from the server administrator or the documentation for the service you’re connecting to.

3.2 The Bitvise SSH Client Interface

When you launch Bitvise SSH Client, you’ll see the main window, which is divided into several sections:

  • Profiles: The left sidebar lists saved connection profiles. This allows you to quickly connect to frequently used servers.
  • Login Tab: This is the main tab where you enter the connection information (host, port, username, authentication method).
  • Options Tab: This tab allows you to configure various connection settings, such as terminal behavior, SFTP settings, and proxy settings.
  • Services Tab: This controls which Bitvise features are enabled for a connection (e.g., SFTP, terminal, port forwarding).
  • Log Area: The bottom area displays log messages, showing the progress of the connection, any errors, and other information.

3.3 Establishing a Basic Connection (Password Authentication)

  1. Enter the Host: In the “Login” tab, enter the hostname or IP address of the server in the “Host” field.
  2. Enter the Port (if not 22): If the server uses a port other than the default (22), enter the port number in the “Port” field.
  3. Enter the Username: Enter your username on the remote server in the “Username” field.
  4. Choose “password” for Authentication Method: Select “password” from the “Authentication Method” dropdown menu.
  5. Enter the Password: You have two options:
    • Initial method: password: Select this and enter the password in the “Password” field below. This is the simplest method, but it transmits your password (encrypted) to the server, making it slightly less secure than key-based authentication. The password will not be saved.
    • Initial method: keyboard-interactive: This method prompts you for your password after you click “Login”. Bitvise doesn’t store the password; you’ll need to enter it each time you connect.
  6. Click “Login”: Click the “Login” button to initiate the connection.
  7. Host Key Verification (First Connection): The first time you connect to a server, Bitvise will display a “Host Key Verification” dialog. This is a security measure to ensure you’re connecting to the correct server and not an imposter.
    • Verify the Fingerprint: The dialog shows the server’s host key fingerprint. You should compare this fingerprint to a known, trusted source (e.g., provided by your server administrator) to ensure it’s correct. If you’re unsure, do not accept the key and contact your server administrator.
    • Accept and Save: If the fingerprint is correct, click “Accept and Save” to add the host key to Bitvise’s known hosts list. You won’t be prompted again for this server unless the host key changes.
    • Accept for This Session: You can also select “Accept for This Session”. This is useful if you are not certain of the host key’s validity and want to investigate further, but it will prompt you every time.
  8. Terminal Window: If the connection is successful, a new terminal window will open. This is your command-line interface to the remote server. You can now type commands and interact with the server.

3.4 Saving Profiles for Future Connections

To avoid entering the connection information every time, you can save it as a profile:

  1. Enter Connection Details: Enter all the connection details as described above (host, port, username, authentication method).
  2. Click “Save Profile As”: Click the “Save Profile As” button (located near the top of the window).
  3. Enter a Profile Name: Enter a descriptive name for the profile (e.g., “My Server,” “Production Server”).
  4. Click “Save”: Click “Save” to save the profile.

The profile will now appear in the “Profiles” sidebar. You can double-click a profile to quickly connect to that server.

3.5 Understanding the “Login” and “Terminal” Tabs

  • Login Tab: This is where you configure the initial connection settings.
  • Terminal Tab: Once a connection is established, a new “Terminal” tab is created. This tab contains the terminal window and provides options related to the terminal session, such as:
    • Disconnect: Disconnects from the server.
    • New SFTP Window: Opens a new SFTP window for file transfer.
    • New Terminal Console: Opens another terminal window to the same server.
    • Send Ctrl+Alt+Del: Sends the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination to the remote server (useful for Windows servers).
    • Copy and Paste: Bitvise supports standard copy and paste operations within the terminal window.

4. Key-Based Authentication: Enhanced Security

4.1 Why Use Key-Based Authentication?

Key-based authentication is significantly more secure than password authentication for several reasons:

  • No Password Transmission: Your password is never transmitted over the network. Instead, the authentication relies on a cryptographic challenge-response mechanism.
  • Resistance to Brute-Force Attacks: Passwords can be guessed or cracked using brute-force attacks. Key pairs are much more difficult to crack.
  • Automation: Key-based authentication can be used for automated tasks (e.g., scripts) without storing passwords in plain text.
  • Passphrase Protection: Private keys can (and should) be protected with a passphrase, adding an extra layer of security.

4.2 Generating a Key Pair with Bitvise

Bitvise makes it easy to generate SSH key pairs:

  1. Open the Client Key Manager: In the Bitvise SSH Client window, click the “Client key manager” link (usually located in the lower left corner, under the profiles list).
  2. Click “Generate New”: In the Client Key Manager window, click the “Generate New” button.
  3. Choose Key Parameters:
    • Type: Select the type of key to generate. Ed25519 is generally recommended as it offers strong security and good performance. RSA is also a good choice, and you may need it for compatibility with older systems. Avoid DSA.
    • Bit size (for RSA): If you choose RSA, select a bit size of at least 2048 bits (3072 or 4096 are even better).
    • Passphrase: Enter a strong passphrase to protect your private key. This is crucial for security. Do not skip this step. A good passphrase is long, complex, and not easily guessable.
    • Confirm passphrase: Re-enter the passphrase to confirm.
    • Comment (optional): You can add a comment to help you identify the key.
  4. Click “Generate”: Click the “Generate” button. Bitvise will generate the key pair.
  5. Export the Public Key:
    • Export Format: Select the format in which to export the public key. “OpenSSH format” is the most common and widely compatible format.
    • Click “Export”: Click the “Export” button.
    • Save the Public Key: Choose a location and filename for the public key (e.g., id_ed25519.pub). The .pub extension indicates it’s a public key. It’s safe to share this file.
  6. Close the Client Key Manager: You can now close the Client Key Manager window.

4.3 Managing Keypairs with the Client Key Manager
The client key manager is where all your private keys are stored. You can:

  • Generate new keys: As described above.
  • Import existing keys: Import private keys generated by other tools.
  • Export public keys: Export the public key corresponding to a private key.
  • Change passphrase: Change the passphrase protecting a private key.
  • Delete keys: Delete private keys. Be very careful with this! If you delete a private key, you’ll lose access to any servers that use it for authentication, unless you have a backup.
  • View Key Details: Inspect properties of a stored key, including type, bitsize, and fingerprint.

4.4 Uploading the Public Key to the Server

The public key needs to be placed on the SSH server in a specific location to enable key-based authentication. There are two main ways to do this:

4.4.1 Manual Upload (Copy and Paste)

This is the most common and reliable method.

  1. Open the Public Key File: Open the public key file (e.g., id_ed25519.pub) in a text editor (like Notepad).

  2. Copy the Public Key: Select the entire contents of the file and copy it to your clipboard. The key will look something like this (for Ed25519):

    ssh-ed25519 AAAAC3NzaC1lZDI1NTE5AAAAI... (rest of the key) ... user@hostname
    Or like this (for RSA):
    ssh-rsa AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAABAQC... (rest of the key) ... user@hostname

  3. Connect to the Server (using password authentication): Connect to the SSH server using password authentication (as described in Section 3).

  4. Navigate to the .ssh Directory: Once connected, navigate to the .ssh directory in your home directory. If it doesn’t exist, create it:

    bash
    mkdir -p ~/.ssh
    chmod 700 ~/.ssh
    The chmod 700 command sets the correct permissions on the .ssh directory, ensuring that only you can access it.
    5. Edit (or Create) the authorized_keys File: Open the authorized_keys file within the .ssh directory using a text editor (like nano, vim, or vi):

    bash
    nano ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
    If the file doesn’t exist, this command will create it.
    6. Paste the Public Key: Paste the public key you copied earlier into the authorized_keys file. Each public key should be on a separate line.
    7. Save and Close the File: Save the changes to the authorized_keys file and close the text editor. (In nano, press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).
    8. Set Permissions on authorized_keys: Set the correct permissions on the authorized_keys file:

    bash
    chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

4.4.2 Using Bitvise’s “Import Public Key” Feature (if supported by the server)

Some SSH servers (especially those running Bitvise SSH Server) support a feature that allows Bitvise to automatically upload the public key. This is less common but can be convenient.

  1. Connect to the Server (using password authentication).
  2. Open the Client Key Manager: Click the “Client key manager” link.
  3. Select the Key: Select the key pair you want to use.
  4. Click “Import Public Key”: In the Client Key Manager, with your newly created key selected, there may be an option to directly import the key to the connected server. This button/link is not always present, as it depends on the server’s capabilities. If you see it, click it.
  5. Follow the Prompts: Bitvise will guide you through the process, which usually involves confirming the action and potentially entering your password one last time.

4.5 Connecting with Key-Based Authentication

  1. In the “Login” tab: Enter the host, port, and username as usual.
  2. Choose “publickey” for Authentication Method: Select “publickey” from the “Authentication Method” dropdown menu.
  3. Select the Private Key:
    • Initial Method: publickey – auto: Bitvise will automatically try to use a key from the Client Key Manager. This is the recommended and easiest option.
    • Initial Method: publickey – slot…: If you have multiple keys, you may need to explicitly select which key to use.
  4. Enter Passphrase (if prompted): If your private key is protected by a passphrase (which it should be), Bitvise will prompt you to enter it.
  5. Click “Login”: Click the “Login” button. If everything is configured correctly, you should be logged in without having to enter your password.

4.6 Passphrase Protection for Private Keys

Always protect your private keys with a strong passphrase. This is a critical security measure. If your private key file is ever stolen, the passphrase will prevent the attacker from using it to access your servers.

To change or set a passphrase on an existing key, use the Client Key Manager:

  1. Open the Client Key Manager.
  2. Select the key.
  3. Click Change Passphrase.
  4. Enter the old passphrase (if any), and then the new passphrase twice.
  5. Click OK.

4.7 Using an Existing Key Pair (e.g., from PuTTY)

If you have an existing key pair generated by another SSH client (like PuTTY), you can import it into Bitvise:

  1. Open the Client Key Manager: Click the “Client key manager” link.
  2. Click “Import”: Click the “Import” button.
  3. Browse for the Private Key File: Browse to the location of your private key file (e.g., a .ppk file for PuTTY).
  4. Enter Passphrase (if needed): If the private key is protected by a passphrase, enter it.
  5. Save the Key: Bitvise will import the key and add it to its list of managed keys.
  6. Export the Public Key (if needed): If you need the public key in OpenSSH format, select the imported key and click “Export,” choosing “OpenSSH format.”

5. Secure File Transfer (SFTP) with Bitvise

5.1 Understanding SFTP

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure file transfer protocol that runs over an SSH connection. It provides the same level of security as SSH, encrypting all data transmitted between the client and the server. SFTP is not the same as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which is insecure.

5.2 The Bitvise SFTP Interface

Bitvise provides a user-friendly graphical interface for SFTP:

  1. Connect to the Server: Connect to the SSH server using either password or key-based authentication.
  2. Open an SFTP Window:
    • From the Terminal Tab: Click the “New SFTP Window” button in the Terminal tab.
    • From the Login Tab: You can configure Bitvise to automatically open an SFTP window upon successful login (in the “Options” tab, under “On Login”).
  3. The SFTP Window: The SFTP window is divided into two panes:
    • Local Pane (Left): Displays the files and directories on your local computer.
    • Remote Pane (Right): Displays the files and directories on the remote server.

5.3 Uploading Files

  1. Navigate to the Source Directory (Local Pane): In the local pane, navigate to the directory containing the files you want to upload.
  2. Navigate to the Destination Directory (Remote Pane): In the remote pane, navigate to the directory where you want to upload the files.
  3. Drag and Drop: Select the files or directories in the local pane and drag them to the remote pane.
  4. Or, Right-Click and Upload: Right-click on the selected file(s) in the local pane and choose “Upload”.

5.4 Downloading Files

  1. Navigate to the Source Directory (Remote Pane): In the remote pane, navigate to the directory containing the files you want to download.
  2. Navigate to the Destination Directory (Local Pane): In the local pane, navigate to the directory where you want to download the files.
  3. Drag and Drop: Select the files or directories in the remote pane and drag them to the local pane.
  4. Or, Right-Click and Download: Right-click on the selected file(s) in the remote pane and choose “Download”.

5.5 Navigating Directories

  • Double-Click: Double-click a directory to enter it.
  • Up Arrow: Click the up arrow icon to go to the parent directory.
  • Address Bar: Type a path directly into the address bar to navigate to a specific directory.
  • Right-Click, Go To: Right-click in either pane and choose “Go To” to enter a specific path.

5.6 Creating and Deleting Files and Directories

  • Create Directory: Right-click in the remote pane and choose “New” > “Directory”. Enter the name of the new directory.
  • Create File: Right-click in the remote pane and choose “New” > “File”. Enter the name of the new file. (This creates an empty file).
  • Delete: Select the files or directories you want to delete, right-click, and choose “Delete”. Confirm the deletion.

5.7 Setting File Permissions

  1. Select the File or Directory: In the remote pane, select the file or directory whose permissions you want to change.
  2. Right-Click and Choose “Properties”: Right-click and choose “Properties”.
  3. Permissions Tab: In the Properties window, go to the “Permissions” tab.
  4. Change Permissions: You can change the permissions using the checkboxes (Read, Write, Execute) for Owner, Group, and Others. You can also enter the numeric permission value directly (e.g., 644, 755).
  5. Click “OK”: Click “OK” to apply the changes.

6. Port Forwarding (Tunneling) with Bitvise

6.1 What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding, also known as tunneling, is a powerful feature of SSH that allows you to create secure connections for other applications through the SSH connection. This is useful for:

  • Accessing services behind a firewall: If a service (e.g., a web server) is running on a server behind a firewall that blocks direct access, you can use port forwarding to access it through the SSH connection.
  • Securing insecure applications: If you have an application that doesn’t support encryption, you can use port forwarding to encrypt its traffic through the SSH tunnel.
  • Creating a SOCKS proxy: Dynamic port forwarding allows you to use the SSH server as a SOCKS proxy, routing your web traffic through the server.

6.2 Local Port Forwarding (Client-to-Server)

Local port forwarding redirects traffic from a port on your local computer (the client) to a port on the remote server (or a server accessible from the remote server).

6.2.1 Use Case: Accessing a Web Server Behind a Firewall

Imagine a scenario:

  • You have a web server running on a remote server at IP address 192.168.1.100 on port 80.
  • The remote server is behind a firewall that blocks direct access to port 80 from the internet.
  • You can connect to the remote server via SSH.

You can use local port forwarding to access the web server:

  1. Set up an SSH connection to the remote server.
  2. Configure local port forwarding: Forward a local port (e.g., 8080) on your computer to the web server’s address and port (192.168.1.100:80).
  3. Access the web server: Open your web browser and go to http://localhost:8080. Your browser will connect to port 8080 on your computer, and Bitvise will forward that traffic through the SSH tunnel to port 80 on the remote server.

6.2.2 Setting up Local Port Forwarding in Bitvise

  1. Connect to the SSH Server: Connect to the SSH server as usual.
  2. Go to the “Services” Tab: In the Bitvise SSH Client window, go to the “Services” tab.
  3. Enable “C2S Port Forwarding”: Make sure the “C2S Port Forwarding” checkbox is checked.
  4. Click “Add”: Click the “Add” button in the “C2S Port Forwarding” section.
  5. Configure the Port Forwarding Rule:
    • Listen Interface: Choose the interface on your local computer that will listen for connections. 127.0.0.1 (localhost) is the most common and secure choice, as it only allows connections from your own computer. You can also use 0.0.0.0 to listen on all interfaces, but be careful with this, as it could expose the forwarded port to other computers on your network.
    • Listen Port: Enter the port number on your local computer that you want to forward (e.g., 8080).
    • Destination Host: Enter the IP address or hostname of the server you want to forward traffic to (e.g., 192.168.1.100 or localhost if the service is running on the SSH server itself).
    • Destination Port: Enter the port number of the service on the destination host (e.g., 80 for a web server).
  6. Click “OK”: Click “OK” to save the port forwarding rule. The rule will appear in the list.
  7. **Verify

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