Connecting to the CLI using SSH

Using the CLI : Connecting to the CLI : Connecting to the CLI using SSH

Once you configure the FortiWeb appliance to accept SSH connections, you can use an SSH client on your management computer to connect to the CLI.

Secure Shell (SSH) provides both secure authentication and secure communications to the CLI. Supported SSH protocol versions, ciphers, and bit strengths vary by whether or not you have enabled FIPS-CC mode or are using a low encryption (LENC) version, but generally include SSH version 2 with AES-128, 3DES, Blowfish, and SHA-1.

Requirements

• a computer with an RJ-45 Ethernet port

• a crossover Ethernet cable

• a FortiWeb network interface configured to accept SSH connections (see “Enabling access to the CLI through the network (SSH or Telnet or CLI Console widget)”)

• an SSH client such as PuTTY

To connect to the CLI using SSH

1. On your management computer, start PuTTY.

Initially, the Session category of settings is displayed.

2. In Host Name (or IP Address), type the IP address of a network interface on which you have enabled SSH administrative access.

3. In Port, type 22.

4. From Connection type, select SSH.

5. Click Open.

The SSH client connects to the FortiWeb appliance.

The SSH client may display a warning if this is the first time you are connecting to the FortiWeb appliance and its SSH key is not yet recognized by your SSH client, or if you have previously connected to the FortiWeb appliance but it used a different IP address or SSH key. If your management computer is directly connected to the FortiWeb appliance with no network hosts between them, this is normal.

6. Click Yes to verify the fingerprint and accept the FortiWeb appliance’s SSH key. You will not be able to log in until you have accepted the key.

The CLI displays a login prompt.

7. Type a valid administrator account name (such as admin) and press Enter.

8. Type the password for this administrator account and press Enter.


	If three incorrect login or password attempts occur in a row, you will be disconnected. Wait one minute, then reconnect to attempt the login again.

The FortiWeb appliance displays a command prompt (its host name followed by a #). You can now enter CLI commands.