Secure Shell (SSH) Gateway FAQ

Below are frequently asked questions about Secure Shell (SSH) Gateway. If you need to request access to the SSH Gateway, submit an ITS request.

1 What is the SSH Gateway?
2 Who can use the SSH Gateway?
3 How do I use the SSH Gateway?
4 Why can’t I connect to an ITS data center resource?
5 Why can’t I connect to an off-campus resource?
6 Why doesn’t my access to SSH Gateway work anymore?
7 Can I use Graphical Applications (X11 forwarding)?

What is the SSH Gateway?

The Secure Shell (SSH) Gateway is an encrypted proxy mechanism used for external network access, typically to internal Linux/Unix resources. It is an alternative to the University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Who can use the SSH Gateway?

Faculty, staff or student employees with active WVU Login credentials may submit a Secure Shell (SSH) Gateway Access Request. Requests are sent to supervisors or sponsors for approval before access is granted.

Important Reminders:

You can only connect to your computer remotely if it is running an SSH server.
The computer that you want to connect to remotely must be on.
The SSH Gateway is not intended for use as a file store.
Total capacity of home directory files is now limited to 1 GB. Exceeding that limit will generate an error. This limit cannon be extended for any reason
SSH Gateway requires use of WVU Login and Duo two-factor authentication.
SSH Gateway may be unavailable Sunday from midnight to noon for maintenance.
SSH Gateway sessions that have no activity for 8 hours will be disconnected.

How do I use the SSH Gateway?

Use an SSH client to login to the host ssh.wvu.edu. Once there, use SSH login to the shared computing resource. View instructions for setting up SSH client (PuTTY).

Why can’t I connect to an ITS data center resource?

SSH Gateway is not intended to be used for remote access to an ITS Data Center. Refer instead to VPN.

Why can’t I connect to an off-campus resource?

Outbound connections from the SSH Gateway to an off-campus system are not allowed.

Why doesn’t my access to SSH Gateway work anymore?

SSH Gateway access is revoked for accounts that have not been used in one year.

Can I use Graphical Applications (X11 forwarding)?

Yes, X11 forwarding is enabled on the SSH Gateway. If you are using OpenSSH on Linux or MacOS, then you will need to specify the -X option to your SSH command when connecting. If you are using PuTTY on Windows you will need to install some additional software. We suggest following the directions provided here.

WVU ITS