diff --git a/util/ssh.py b/util/ssh.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..eaa1b9c66
--- /dev/null
+++ b/util/ssh.py
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+from Crypto.PublicKey import RSA
+
+def generate_ssh_key():
+  """
+  Generates a new 2048 bit RSA private key in PEM format and public key in OpenSSH format.
+  """
+  key = RSA.generate(2048)
+  private_pem = key.exportKey('PEM')
+  public_key = key.publicKey().exportKey('OpenSSH')
+  return (private_pem, public_key)
+