> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.gcore.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to a Virtual Machine via SSH

The SSH protocol provides secure remote login between machines. It supports connections to Gcore Virtual Machines running Linux.

Two authentication methods are available:

* With SSH keys
* With a password

The second method is available only if a password was configured during VM creation using the [initial setup](/cloud/virtual-instances/customize-initial-setup-for-your-instance#customize-the-initial-setup-for-your-instance) options.

<Info>
  The [VNC console](/cloud/virtual-instances/connect/connect-to-your-instance-via-control-panel) in the [Gcore Customer Portal](https://portal.gcore.com) provides an alternative browser-based connection method.
</Info>

## SSH connection steps

Complete the steps below in order.

1\. [SSH keys](/cloud/virtual-instances/connect/connect-to-your-instance-via-ssh): Create a key pair — a public key stored in the Customer Portal and a private key stored locally.

2\. (Optional) [Key conversion](/cloud/ssh-keys/convert-an-ssh-key-from-pem-to-ppk): Convert SSH keys from .pem to .ppk format — applies only to PuTTY users (a separate SSH client for Windows; skip if connecting via terminal or Command Prompt).

3\. [Security group](/cloud/networking/add-and-configure-a-firewall#use-the-default-firewall): Configure inbound and outbound rules to allow SSH connections on the instance.

4\. [SSH connection](/cloud/virtual-instances/connect/establish-ssh-connection-to-an-instance): Authenticate using the recommended method for the operating system.