AWS - EC2 Fundamentals
If you lose the private key file for an EC2 instance's key pair, which method is the recommended way to regain SSH access without terminating the instance?
If you lose the private key file for an EC2 instance's key pair, which method is the recommended way to regain SSH access without terminating the instance?
medium📝 Debug Q7 of 15
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:
Step 1: Understand AWS key pair limitations
A private key cannot be recovered or downloaded again after creation.Step 2: Regain access by modifying authorized_keys
The recommended approach is to create a new key pair, then modify the instance's root volume'sauthorized_keysfile by mounting it on another instance.Step 3: Avoid data loss
This method avoids terminating or recreating the instance, preserving data and configuration.Final Answer:
Create a new key pair, stop the instance, detach the root volume, attach it to another instance, modify the authorized_keys file, then reattach and start the instance -> Option CQuick Check:
Private keys cannot be re-downloaded; modify authorized_keys instead [OK]
Quick Trick: Modify authorized_keys via volume attachment to regain access [OK]
Common Mistakes:
- Expecting AWS to provide lost private keys
- Terminating instance unnecessarily
- Trying to download private key again from console
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