Fix "Host Key Verification Failed"

What This Error Means

This security feature prevents man-in-the-middle attacks. It appears when:

• Server's SSH host key has changed
• You reinstalled your VPS OS
• You're connecting to a different server with the same IP
• Someone is trying to intercept your connection

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@    WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED!     @
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Fix 1: Remove Old Host Key (Safe if You Reinstalled)

If you recently reinstalled your VPS OS, remove the old key:

ssh-keygen -R YOUR_SERVER_IP

Or remove manually from known_hosts:

nano ~/.ssh/known_hosts

Delete the line containing your server IP.

Fix 2: Clear All Keys for a Specific Host

ssh-keygen -R "YOUR_SERVER_IP" -f ~/.ssh/known_hosts

Fix 3: For Custom Ports

If using a non-standard SSH port, remove using:

ssh-keygen -R "[YOUR_SERVER_IP]:PORT"

Fix 4: Temporarily Disable Host Key Checking (Not Recommended)

For testing only:

ssh -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no hxroot@YOUR_SERVER_IP

Fix 5: Update Known Hosts Manually

Get the new host key:

ssh-keyscan YOUR_SERVER_IP >> ~/.ssh/known_hosts

For custom port:

ssh-keyscan -p PORT YOUR_SERVER_IP >> ~/.ssh/known_hosts

Fix 6: Check for Actual MITM Attack

If you haven't reinstalled your server, investigate:

• Contact Hostxpeed support to verify no unauthorized access
• Check server console for unusual activity
• Consider this a potential security incident

Verify the server fingerprint via Hostxpeed VNC console:

ssh-keygen -l -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_ecdsa_key.pub