Which command should a security analyst use to securely forward public keys to remote systems?

The command that a security analyst should use to securely forward public keys to remote systems is "ssh-copy-id." This command simplifies the process of adding a user's SSH key to the authorized_keys file on a remote server. When this command is executed, it connects to the specified remote server via SSH and securely copies the public key, ensuring that subsequent login attempts using the corresponding private key can be made without requiring a password.

By using ssh-copy-id, the public key is transmitted over an encrypted connection, which enhances security during the key transfer process. This method is more secure and efficient than manually copying the key and pasting it into the authorized_keys file.

Other choices have specific functionalities that do not align with the purpose of securely forwarding public keys. "scp" is primarily used for secure file transfers rather than specifically for key management. "ash -i" is a shell command that does not relate to SSH key management. "openssl -s," while relevant in cryptographic operations, does not facilitate the SSH key forwarding process.