What are the six steps to configure SSH on a Cisco device?

Set hostname, set IP domain name, generate an RSA key, create a local user, set VTY lines to login local, then transport input ssh.

! 1. Configure unique hostname
Router(config)# hostname R1

! 2. Configure IP domain name
R1(config)# ip domain-name example.com

! 3. Generate RSA key (minimum 1024 bits)
R1(config)# crypto key generate rsa general-keys modulus 1024

! 4. Create local user account
R1(config)# username admin secret MyP@ssw0rd

! 5. Configure VTY lines to use local authentication
R1(config)# line vty 0 4
R1(config-line)# login local

! 6. Enable SSH (and optionally disable Telnet)
R1(config-line)# transport input ssh

Note: The RSA key size determines security level - larger keys (2048+) are more secure but slower to process.

Go deeper:

• Secure Shell — Wikipedia — how SSH key exchange and host keys provide the encrypted channel these commands set up.