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

# What is SSH and why do I need it?

The Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. Its most notable applications are remote login and command-line execution.

SSH is typically used to access Linux virtual machines (VMs) remotely. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by using a client-server architecture, connecting an SSH client application with an SSH server.