What is SSH used for?

SSH, which stands for Secure Shell, is primarily used to securely connect to a remote server over a network. This protocol provides a secure channel for communication, allowing users to access shell accounts on remote machines. It encrypts the data transmitted between the client and the server, which protects against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

In this context, SSH enables remote command-line access and administrative functions, making it an essential tool for system administrators and users who need to manage servers remotely while ensuring data confidentiality and integrity during the connection.

While other options mentioned, such as encrypting files on disk, monitoring system performance, and transferring files between systems, can be achieved through different tools and protocols, they do not exemplify the primary function and use case of SSH itself.