Top Free Android SSH Tools

Secure Shell (SSH) is a network protocol that operates over the Transmission Control Protocol and encrypts everything it sends and receives using 128-bit encryption. SSH also ensures that communication between the two hosts is not being intercepted in the middle by transmitting authentication information to the server using the same strength encryption. With its security safeguards, SSH is a popular protocol for secure data communication and remote command execution.

SSH is typically used to log into a remote machine and execute commands. However, there are a wide variety of other uses for SSH. For example, it supports TCP port forwarding whereby an SSH server can secure otherwise insecure protocols, as well as X11 forwarding which offers a secure way to use graphical applications over a network. Other common uses of SSH include tunnelling and transferring files across machines using SSH file transfer (SFTP) or secure copy (SCP) protocols.

Anyone who needs to administer a Linux computer will understand the significance of being able to securely log into a machine and perform tasks given that any program that allows incoming connections without the ability to encrypt it's data increases the risk to a site.

This article selects high quality Android software that lets users perform SSH related tasks on Android devices. The article identifies the best SSH client and server implementations available for Android, as well as some other useful tools. All of the software featured in this article is available to download without charge.

So, let's explore the 5 SSH tools at hand. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, providing screenshots of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources and reviews. We give our highest recommendation to ConnectBot and SSHDroid.

Return to our collection of Android Group Tests, identifying the finest free Android software. Readers may also be interested in our comprehensive collection of Linux Group Tests.

Last Updated Sunday, October 23 2011 @ 05:32 AM EDT