Hey there! If you are working with AWS and using Git Bash, then you might be wondering how to keep your AWS PEM key secure and easily accessible while working in the terminal. I’ve been in the same situation, and after some trial and error, I’ve found a few methods that have worked well for me.
Method 1: Setting Environment Variable
One way to keep the AWS PEM key accessible in Git Bash is by setting it as an environment variable. You can do this by adding the following line to your .bashrc or .bash_profile file:
export AWS_PEM_KEY="path/to/your/aws.pem"
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Keeps the key separate from your code repository
Cons:
- May not be as secure as other methods
Method 2: Using SSH Agent
Another approach is to use the SSH agent in Git Bash. You can add your AWS PEM key to the SSH agent by running the following command:
ssh-add /path/to/your/aws.pem
Pros:
- Provides added security through the SSH agent
Cons:
- Key is still accessible within the current session
Method 3: Git-Credential-Helper
Git provides a credential helper that can securely store your AWS PEM key. You can enable the helper by running the following command:
git config --global credential.helper store
Pros:
- Securely stores the key
- Automatically provides the key when needed
Cons:
- Potential security risks if the machine is compromised
Conclusion
After experimenting with these methods, I found that using the SSH agent in Git Bash worked best for me. It provided an extra layer of security while still allowing easy access to the AWS PEM key when working in the terminal. Regardless of the method you choose, always ensure that your AWS PEM key is stored and used securely to protect your AWS resources.