> Supplying an SSH public key for future login use
It's public so it can be emailed in cleartext to the admin of the server, copied in any instant messenger or painted on walls. It's the secret key that ensures all the security of the connection.
This is a scenario where "the humans can speak to each other (directly) but the computers cannot". Key authenticity is not a problem, the other party can verify that the fingerprint is correct.
It's public so it can be emailed in cleartext to the admin of the server, copied in any instant messenger or painted on walls. It's the secret key that ensures all the security of the connection.