# SSH Tunneling

**Why Connecting to a Database Using an SSH Tunnel is Interesting**

Secure Shell (SSH) tunnels provide a powerful yet straightforward method for accessing databases securely. Here’s why they stand out:

#### 1. **Enhanced Security**

SSH tunnels add an extra layer of protection by encrypting data in transit. This is particularly useful when connecting to databases over untrusted networks. By tunneling through SSH, you avoid exposing the database directly to the internet, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

#### 2. **Access to Private Resources**

SSH tunnels are particularly useful for accessing private resources such as databases that are restricted to internal networks or protected by firewalls. By setting up a tunnel, you can securely route traffic through an intermediary server, enabling access without compromising the private nature of the resource. This is especially valuable for developers, administrators, or partners needing controlled access to sensitive systems.

#### 3. **No Need for a VPN**

While VPNs also secure connections, they are more complex to configure and maintain. SSH tunnels offer a lightweight alternative, especially for one-off or developer-specific access needs.

### Tutorials

{% content-ref url="ssh-tunneling/access-a-private-aws-rds-instance-via-a-jumpbox" %}
[access-a-private-aws-rds-instance-via-a-jumpbox](https://docs.stacksync.com/two-way-sync/connectors/setup-options/ssh-tunneling/access-a-private-aws-rds-instance-via-a-jumpbox)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="ssh-tunneling/accessing-a-private-gcp-database-via-a-jumpbox" %}
[accessing-a-private-gcp-database-via-a-jumpbox](https://docs.stacksync.com/two-way-sync/connectors/setup-options/ssh-tunneling/accessing-a-private-gcp-database-via-a-jumpbox)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="broken-reference" %}
[Broken link](https://docs.stacksync.com/two-way-sync/connectors/setup-options/broken-reference)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="ssh-tunneling/windows-server-2022-jumpbox" %}
[windows-server-2022-jumpbox](https://docs.stacksync.com/two-way-sync/connectors/setup-options/ssh-tunneling/windows-server-2022-jumpbox)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="ssh-tunneling/windows-server-2025-jumpbox" %}
[windows-server-2025-jumpbox](https://docs.stacksync.com/two-way-sync/connectors/setup-options/ssh-tunneling/windows-server-2025-jumpbox)
{% endcontent-ref %}

Feel free to reach out to us at <hello@stacksync.com>, if there is anything we can help with to help you get started with your Jumpbox!