Remote Host Identification Has Changed

SSH refuses to connect and shows:

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@    WARNING: REMOTE HOST IDENTIFICATION HAS CHANGED!     @
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IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOMEONE IS DOING SOMETHING NASTY!
...
Host key verification failed.

Your computer remembers each server’s identity (its host key) from the first connection. Reinstalling a server creates a new host key on the same IP address. The saved host key does not match the new one.

Fixing it after a reinstall

Remove the saved host key for that IP address, then connect again:

ssh-keygen -R 203.0.113.10
ssh root@203.0.113.10

This works the same in Windows PowerShell. SSH asks you to confirm the server again, as on your first login.

In Bitvise, the warning shows as a host key prompt. Hit “Accept and Save” if you reinstalled the server.

If you did not reinstall

A changed host key without a reinstall can mean something is intercepting your connection. Do not accept it. Check the server’s real fingerprint on the dashboard console instead:

1. Head over to the instance list on our control panel and open your instance
2. Open the “Terminal” tab
3. Log in with the instance password
4. Print the fingerprint and compare it with the one SSH shows:

ssh-keygen -lf /etc/ssh/ssh_host_ed25519_key.pub

If they match, remove the old key as above. If they do not, contact support.