Installing OpenSSH on Ubuntu 24.04

Install OpenSSH server

OpenSSH packages are available in Ubuntu default repositories so there’s no need to install additional packages.

Run the command below to install OpenSSH server.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssh-server

Once installed, access is granted to users on the computer. Users with valid credentials can then log on.

Configure OpenSSH

You can configure the OpenSSH server on Ubuntu 24.04 by editing the `sshd_config` file located at `/etc/ssh/sshd_config`. Changing settings in this file, like preventing the root user (the administrator account) from logging in without a password, makes your computer more secure. This protection helps guard your system from unauthorized access.

You can enhance your device’s security by tweaking the settings in this configuration file. An example would be denying the root account login without password authentication.

As mentioned, the root user cannot log on by default when you install OpenSSH server using a password, due to the [PermitRootLogin prohibit-password] setting. However, you can further enhance your device security by prohibiting the root account from logging in via other means.

To do that, open the OpenSSH configuration file by running the command below.

To stop the root user from logging on, change the `PermitRootLogin` setting. You will find this setting by uncommenting and changing the highlighted line to `no`. This change helps make your server more secure.

#line 33
PermitRootLogin no

Save and exit.

Then, restart OpenSSH server.

sudo systemctl restart ssh

Access OpenSSH server

After setting up the OpenSSH server on your Ubuntu 24.04 computer, you can access it from other devices using its network name or address. On Windows 11, you can use the Terminal app with the `ssh` command. Alternatively, use a program like PuTTY by entering the server’s name. You’ll then need to enter your username and password to get in.

On Windows 11, open the Terminal app and run the ssh command.

ssh richard@srv1.example.com

Using PuTTY, enter the server hostname and click Open.

Access should be granted after entering the correct username and password.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

So, installing and configuring the OpenSSH server on Ubuntu 24.04 is a process that enhances your server’s security. Here are the key points to remember:

• OpenSSH provides secure access to servers through encrypted connections.
• Password authentication is enabled by default upon installation, simplifying the login process.
• For improved security, the root account is prohibited from logging in with password authentication.
• Configuration adjustments in the /etc/ssh/sshd_config file can further enhance security.
• Remote access is possible using SSH commands or tools like PuTTY.
• Ensuring you manage your user accounts and authentication methods is crucial for maintaining a secure server environment.

Setting up the OpenSSH server on Ubuntu 24.04 creates a strong, secure connection. This process helps you tailor security settings to your specific needs.