Quick Overview
- 1#1: Teleport - Provides short-lived SSH certificates for secure, keyless access to infrastructure with full audit logging.
- 2#2: StrongDM - Delivers just-in-time SSH access through a proxy layer with automated key rotation and detailed session recording.
- 3#3: SSH PrivX - Offers just-in-time, certificate-based SSH access management without long-lived keys for zero-trust environments.
- 4#4: HashiCorp Boundary - Enables secure, dynamic SSH sessions with credential injection and no persistent key storage using zero-trust principles.
- 5#5: Okta Advanced Server Access - Manages ephemeral SSH certificates integrated with identity providers for bastionless server access.
- 6#6: JumpCloud - Cloud directory platform that automates SSH key distribution, rotation, and revocation across Linux/Mac devices.
- 7#7: CyberArk Privileged Access Manager - Enterprise PAM solution with automated SSH key discovery, vaulting, rotation, and removal.
- 8#8: BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Unix/Linux - Secures and automates SSH key lifecycle management on Unix/Linux systems with least-privilege enforcement.
- 9#9: Delinea Secret Server - Vault-based secrets management with SSH key storage, rotation, and just-in-time checkout capabilities.
- 10#10: ManageEngine Password Manager Pro - Affordable PAM tool for storing, rotating, and auditing SSH keys with remote password management.
Tools were evaluated based on key features like ephemeral access, automation of rotation/revocation, identity system integration, and ease of use, with a focus on quality and value to meet diverse organizational needs.
Comparison Table
Effective SSH key management is vital for securing infrastructure access, and this comparison table explores leading tools such as Teleport, StrongDM, SSH PrivX, HashiCorp Boundary, Okta Advanced Server Access, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, integration strengths, and optimal use cases to identify the right solution for their organization's security and operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Teleport Provides short-lived SSH certificates for secure, keyless access to infrastructure with full audit logging. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | StrongDM Delivers just-in-time SSH access through a proxy layer with automated key rotation and detailed session recording. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | SSH PrivX Offers just-in-time, certificate-based SSH access management without long-lived keys for zero-trust environments. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | HashiCorp Boundary Enables secure, dynamic SSH sessions with credential injection and no persistent key storage using zero-trust principles. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | Okta Advanced Server Access Manages ephemeral SSH certificates integrated with identity providers for bastionless server access. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | JumpCloud Cloud directory platform that automates SSH key distribution, rotation, and revocation across Linux/Mac devices. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 7 | CyberArk Privileged Access Manager Enterprise PAM solution with automated SSH key discovery, vaulting, rotation, and removal. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Unix/Linux Secures and automates SSH key lifecycle management on Unix/Linux systems with least-privilege enforcement. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Delinea Secret Server Vault-based secrets management with SSH key storage, rotation, and just-in-time checkout capabilities. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | ManageEngine Password Manager Pro Affordable PAM tool for storing, rotating, and auditing SSH keys with remote password management. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
Provides short-lived SSH certificates for secure, keyless access to infrastructure with full audit logging.
Delivers just-in-time SSH access through a proxy layer with automated key rotation and detailed session recording.
Offers just-in-time, certificate-based SSH access management without long-lived keys for zero-trust environments.
Enables secure, dynamic SSH sessions with credential injection and no persistent key storage using zero-trust principles.
Manages ephemeral SSH certificates integrated with identity providers for bastionless server access.
Cloud directory platform that automates SSH key distribution, rotation, and revocation across Linux/Mac devices.
Enterprise PAM solution with automated SSH key discovery, vaulting, rotation, and removal.
Secures and automates SSH key lifecycle management on Unix/Linux systems with least-privilege enforcement.
Vault-based secrets management with SSH key storage, rotation, and just-in-time checkout capabilities.
Affordable PAM tool for storing, rotating, and auditing SSH keys with remote password management.
Teleport
specializedProvides short-lived SSH certificates for secure, keyless access to infrastructure with full audit logging.
Dynamic short-lived SSH certificates that replace and eliminate the need for managing static private keys
Teleport is an open-source access platform that revolutionizes SSH key management by replacing static, long-lived SSH keys with short-lived certificates issued dynamically. It provides centralized identity federation with SSO providers, role-based access control (RBAC), and just-in-time provisioning for secure infrastructure access. Additionally, it offers session recording, auditing, and proxying to eliminate direct server exposure, making it a comprehensive zero-trust solution for SSH environments.
Pros
- Eliminates static SSH keys via short-lived certificates with automatic rotation
- Robust RBAC, SSO integration, and just-in-time access for granular control
- Comprehensive session recording and auditing for compliance and security
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and configuration
- Resource-intensive for self-hosted deployments in small environments
- Advanced enterprise features locked behind paid tiers
Best For
Enterprises and large DevOps teams managing complex, multi-cloud infrastructure who need scalable, auditable SSH access without traditional key distribution hassles.
Pricing
Open Source: Free; Cloud: Free tier + paid from $23/user/month; Enterprise: Custom pricing.
StrongDM
specializedDelivers just-in-time SSH access through a proxy layer with automated key rotation and detailed session recording.
Credential-less SSH proxying with short-lived sessions, ensuring no keys or passwords are ever shared or stored on endpoints
StrongDM is a privileged access management platform that secures SSH access by proxying connections through gateways, eliminating the need for long-lived SSH keys on servers or clients. It enforces just-in-time privileged access with granular policies, automatic credential rotation, and integration with SSO providers for authentication. Full session auditing and recording provide compliance-ready visibility into all SSH activity.
Pros
- Zero-standing SSH privileges via proxy model, reducing key exposure risks
- Comprehensive auditing and session replay for compliance
- Seamless integration with cloud infra, databases, and Kubernetes alongside SSH
Cons
- Requires deploying and managing gateway nodes
- Enterprise pricing can be steep for small teams
- Steeper initial setup for complex environments
Best For
Mid-to-large enterprises needing unified, zero-trust access management for SSH servers and broader infrastructure.
Pricing
Usage-based enterprise pricing starting at ~$65 per active end-user per month, plus resource fees; free trial and custom quotes available.
SSH PrivX
specializedOffers just-in-time, certificate-based SSH access management without long-lived keys for zero-trust environments.
Bastionless access proxy using short-lived, cryptographically generated certificates for just-in-time privileges
SSH PrivX by SSH Communications Security is a zero-trust privileged access management platform specializing in SSH key lifecycle automation, just-in-time provisioning, and secure access without persistent keys on servers. It replaces traditional bastion hosts with a proxy-based architecture that issues ephemeral certificates, enables role-based access control, and provides comprehensive auditing and session recording. Ideal for enterprises seeking to mitigate risks from unmanaged SSH keys, it integrates with directories like LDAP and supports multi-protocol access beyond just SSH.
Pros
- Zero-trust model with ephemeral certificates eliminates standing privileges and key sprawl
- Robust auditing, session recording, and compliance reporting
- Scalable for large environments with strong integrations (e.g., Okta, Azure AD)
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment for non-experts
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for SMBs
- Primarily optimized for Linux/SSH environments, less flexible for diverse protocols
Best For
Large enterprises with complex SSH infrastructures needing advanced zero-trust key management and compliance.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise subscription; typically starts at $10-20 per user/host per month, scaling with volume and features.
HashiCorp Boundary
enterpriseEnables secure, dynamic SSH sessions with credential injection and no persistent key storage using zero-trust principles.
Dynamic SSH credential issuance via Vault integration for ephemeral keys
HashiCorp Boundary is a zero-trust access management platform that enables secure SSH connections to infrastructure without static keys or VPNs. It automates dynamic SSH credential generation, rotation, and revocation through integrations with secrets engines like HashiCorp Vault. Boundary provides policy-driven access controls, session recording, and auditing tailored for enterprise SSH key management at scale.
Pros
- Dynamic, short-lived SSH credentials eliminate static key risks
- Robust auditing, session recording, and policy enforcement
- Seamless integration with HashiCorp Vault for automated rotation
Cons
- Steep learning curve with HCL-based configuration
- Requires additional infrastructure like Vault for full key management
- Overkill for small teams focused solely on basic SSH keys
Best For
Enterprise teams needing zero-trust, scalable SSH access with integrated credential automation.
Pricing
Open-source core is free; enterprise self-hosted support and HCP SaaS start at custom pricing (contact sales).
Okta Advanced Server Access
enterpriseManages ephemeral SSH certificates integrated with identity providers for bastionless server access.
Short-lived, dynamic SSH certificates that auto-rotate and expire, eliminating static key vulnerabilities
Okta Advanced Server Access (ASA) is an enterprise-grade solution for managing secure access to Linux and Unix servers, focusing on SSH key management through short-lived certificates rather than static keys. It integrates seamlessly with Okta's identity platform to enforce zero-trust policies, automate certificate issuance and rotation, and provide just-in-time access. ASA eliminates key sprawl, supports multi-cloud environments, and offers comprehensive auditing for compliance.
Pros
- Automatic issuance and rotation of short-lived SSH certificates for enhanced security
- Seamless integration with Okta Identity for policy-based access control
- Comprehensive audit logs and compliance reporting across multi-cloud setups
Cons
- Requires existing Okta tenancy, limiting flexibility for non-Okta users
- Complex initial setup and configuration for smaller teams
- Enterprise pricing can be prohibitive for small-scale deployments
Best For
Large enterprises with multi-cloud infrastructures seeking zero-trust SSH access management integrated with centralized identity.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on servers/users; typically starts at $8-15 per server/month plus Okta licensing—contact sales for quotes.
JumpCloud
enterpriseCloud directory platform that automates SSH key distribution, rotation, and revocation across Linux/Mac devices.
Unified SSH key and short-lived certificate management integrated with zero-trust identity policies
JumpCloud is a cloud directory platform that extends into SSH key management, enabling centralized control of public SSH keys for secure access to Linux and macOS devices. Administrators can upload, generate, distribute, and revoke keys per user or group, with support for automated rotation and auditing. It integrates seamlessly with JumpCloud's identity provider, MDM, and RADIUS features for comprehensive access management across hybrid environments.
Pros
- Centralized key generation, distribution, and revocation across devices
- Strong integration with identity management and audit logging
- Support for SSH certificates alongside traditional keys for enhanced security
Cons
- Tied to broader JumpCloud platform, not ideal for standalone SSH use
- Pricing scales with users/devices, less cost-effective for small SSH-only needs
- Requires agent installation on managed devices for full functionality
Best For
Mid-sized IT teams already using JumpCloud for device and identity management who need integrated SSH access controls.
Pricing
Free tier for up to 10 users/500 monthly active devices; paid plans start at $11/user/month (billed annually) with device-based pricing options.
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager
enterpriseEnterprise PAM solution with automated SSH key discovery, vaulting, rotation, and removal.
Automated, agentless SSH key discovery and rotation with just-in-time access provisioning
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager (PAM) is an enterprise-grade privileged access management platform that includes robust SSH key management capabilities, such as automated discovery, secure vaulting, rotation, and just-in-time provisioning of SSH keys. It centralizes control over privileged credentials across hybrid environments, enforcing least privilege access and providing detailed session monitoring and auditing. Designed for large-scale deployments, it integrates seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with unmanaged SSH keys in Unix/Linux systems.
Pros
- Automated SSH key discovery, rotation, and lifecycle management across thousands of servers
- Enterprise-class security with tamper-proof vaulting and advanced threat analytics
- Strong compliance support (e.g., NIST, SOC 2) and integration with SIEM tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial deployment requiring expert configuration
- High cost makes it overkill for small teams or simple SSH key needs
- Resource-intensive setup with ongoing maintenance demands
Best For
Large enterprises with complex, hybrid IT environments needing comprehensive privileged access management including SSH keys.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually based on users, assets, and modules; contact sales for quote.
BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Unix/Linux
enterpriseSecures and automates SSH key lifecycle management on Unix/Linux systems with least-privilege enforcement.
Policy-based SSH key proxying and just-in-time access without persistent keys
BeyondTrust Privilege Management for Unix/Linux is an enterprise-grade privileged access management solution that includes robust SSH key management capabilities for Unix and Linux systems. It automates the discovery, provisioning, rotation, and decommissioning of SSH keys, enforcing least-privilege policies and preventing key sprawl. The tool integrates with PAM modules for secure key handling, session monitoring, and compliance auditing, making it suitable for large-scale environments.
Pros
- Automated SSH key discovery, rotation, and lifecycle management
- Granular policy controls and integration with SIEM/identity tools
- Tamper-proof auditing and session recording for compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex deployment for non-experts
- High cost unsuitable for small teams or simple use cases
- Broader PAM focus may overwhelm users needing only SSH key tools
Best For
Large enterprises with extensive Unix/Linux fleets seeking integrated privileged access management including SSH keys.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically $10,000+ annually depending on endpoints and features.
Delinea Secret Server
enterpriseVault-based secrets management with SSH key storage, rotation, and just-in-time checkout capabilities.
Distributed Components for resilient, multi-site SSH key management and session proxying
Delinea Secret Server is a comprehensive privileged access management (PAM) solution that securely stores, rotates, and provisions SSH keys as part of its broader secrets management capabilities. It enables automated SSH key discovery, just-in-time access, and integration with SSH clients for controlled remote access. Additionally, it supports session monitoring, auditing, and compliance reporting to ensure secure key lifecycle management in enterprise environments.
Pros
- Robust SSH key rotation and automated provisioning
- Advanced session recording and auditing for compliance
- Scalable architecture with high availability options
Cons
- Complex setup and steep learning curve for smaller teams
- Higher pricing may not suit budget-conscious organizations
- Overkill for SSH-only needs without full PAM requirements
Best For
Large enterprises requiring integrated PAM with strong SSH key management and compliance features.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; typically starts at $40,000+ annually based on users, secrets, and deployment scale.
ManageEngine Password Manager Pro
enterpriseAffordable PAM tool for storing, rotating, and auditing SSH keys with remote password management.
Agentless SSH key discovery engine that scans and inventories keys across distributed Unix/Linux environments
ManageEngine Password Manager Pro is a privileged access management (PAM) solution that provides centralized SSH key management alongside password vaulting. It enables automated discovery, provisioning, rotation, and auditing of SSH keys across Linux/Unix servers and endpoints. The tool supports just-in-time access, policy-based key lifecycle management, and integration with AD/LDAP for scalable deployment in enterprise environments.
Pros
- Automated SSH key discovery and inventory across servers
- Policy-driven rotation and decommissioning of keys
- Comprehensive auditing with session recording and compliance reports
Cons
- SSH key features are secondary to password management focus
- Limited advanced options for custom SSH key types or protocols
- Scalability costs rise with resource count in large deployments
Best For
Mid-sized organizations needing integrated password and SSH key management without dedicated PAM silos.
Pricing
Free for up to 25 resources; paid editions start at $495/year for 10 users, scaling by resources/users to enterprise quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools all deliver strong solutions for SSH key management, but Teleport emerges as the top choice, excelling with short-lived certificates and keyless access that prioritize security and auditability. Close behind, StrongDM impresses with its just-in-time access and detailed session management, while SSH PrivX stands out for its certificate-based approach, making it a standout option for zero-trust environments.
No matter your specific needs—whether you seek keyless simplicity, automated rotation, or infrastructure-wide management—Teleport leads the way. Take the first step toward enhanced SSH security by trying Teleport today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
