Server Login Guide (SSH)

Learn how to connect to your TinyBox VPS server securely via SSH

5 min read
Difficulty: Beginner
SSH, Connection, Security

1. SSH Client Requirements

To connect to your TinyBox VPS, you'll need an SSH client installed on your computer:

Windows Users

  • Built-in SSH: Windows 10/11 PowerShell or Command Prompt
  • PuTTY: Popular third-party SSH client
  • Windows Terminal: Modern terminal application

Linux/Mac Users

  • Built-in SSH: Available in Terminal by default
  • No additional software needed

2. Getting Your Connection Information

Your connection details are provided in your TinyBox VPS welcome email and control panel:

Where to Find Your Details:

  • Welcome Email: Sent after VPS activation
  • Control Panel: panel.tinybox.sh
  • Account Dashboard: Server connection section

You'll need:

  • Hostname: Your server's address (e.g., box01.tinybox.sh)
  • Username: Typically your VPS ID or custom username
  • Password: Provided in welcome email (can be reset)
  • VPS ID: Your unique server identifier (used for port calculation)

3. Port Calculation System

TinyBox VPS uses a unique port system for enhanced security. Each VPS gets a custom SSH port based on its ID:

Port Calculation Formula:

SSH Port = 10000 + Your VPS ID

Examples:

VPS ID: #123
SSH Port: 10123
(10000 + 123 = 10123)
VPS ID: #456
SSH Port: 10456
(10000 + 456 = 10456)

Why Custom Ports?

Custom ports provide additional security by avoiding the default SSH port (22), reducing automated attack attempts and improving overall server security.

4. Connecting to Your Server

Once you have your connection details, use one of these methods to connect:

Command Line (Recommended)

Open Terminal (Linux/Mac) or PowerShell/CMD (Windows) and use:

Basic SSH Connection:
ssh username@hostname -p [calculated_port]
Real Example:
ssh [email protected] -p 10123

PuTTY (Windows GUI)

If using PuTTY, configure these settings:

  • Host Name: box01.tinybox.sh
  • Port: 10123 (your calculated port)
  • Connection Type: SSH

5. Authentication Process

After initiating the connection, you'll be prompted for authentication:

Password Entry Security:

When typing your password, characters won't be visible on screen (no asterisks or dots). This is normal SSH security behavior - just type your password and press Enter.

Authentication Steps:

  1. 1
    Username Prompt: Enter your username when prompted
    login as: user123
  2. 2
    Password Prompt: Type your password (invisibly) and press Enter
    [email protected]'s password: [hidden]
  3. 3
    Welcome Message: Successful login displays server welcome message
    Welcome to TinyBox VPS!

Password Reset:

If you've forgotten your password or it's not working, you can reset it through your TinyBox Control Panel.

6. Security Best Practices

⚠️ CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING

  • NEVER use port 22 for TinyBox VPS connections
  • 5 failed login attempts on port 22 will block your IP for 24 hours
  • • Always use your calculated custom port (10000 + VPS ID)

Do's

  • Use your calculated custom SSH port
  • Keep your login credentials secure
  • Use strong, unique passwords
  • Consider setting up SSH keys
  • Log out when finished

Don'ts

  • Don't use port 22 for connections
  • Don't share your credentials
  • Don't use weak passwords
  • Don't leave sessions unattended
  • Don't ignore security warnings

7. Common Issues & Solutions

Connection Timeout

Problem: Connection times out or hangs

Solutions:

  • • Check your internet connection
  • • Verify you're using the correct port (10000 + VPS ID)
  • • Confirm the hostname is correct
  • • Check if your firewall is blocking the connection

Authentication Failed

Problem: "Permission denied" or wrong credentials

Solutions:

  • • Double-check username and password
  • • Reset password via control panel
  • • Ensure you're not using port 22
  • • Wait if IP was blocked (24-hour timeout)

IP Address Blocked

Problem: Cannot connect after multiple failed attempts

Solutions:

  • • Wait 24 hours for automatic IP unblock
  • • Contact support if urgent: [email protected]
  • • Use a different network/IP if available
  • • Ensure correct port usage in future connections