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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Why disable ssh login with root on a server if I only log in with keys, not password? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

81 comments fedilink hide all child comments

On a server I have a public key auth only for root account. Is there any point of logging in with a different account?

(page 2) 33 comments

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

The multi-tennant approach to the linux operating system isn't just for security. It's the way the OS was designed to operate. You're not meant to use root as an ordinary user.

Disabling root removes the safety net, but it also plugs the security hole that leaving root enabled leaves.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 3 days ago

Well, with root enabled, the SSH server at least need to verify the key, no? It's wasting CPU power albeit tiny amount.

[+] [email protected] -16 points 4 days ago (3 children)

Nope, not really. The only reason ppl recommend it is, because "you have then to guess the username too". Which is just not relevant if you use strong authentication method like keys or only strong passwords.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

That is absolutely not the reason ANYONE recommends it, unless you are a complete noob and entirely unfamiliar with computer security at all, and are just pulling assumptions out of your ass. Don’t fucking do that, don’t post with confidence when you’re just making shit up because you think you know better. Because you don’t.

If there is a vulnerability in SSH (and it’s happened before), attackers could use that to get into root directly, quickly, and easily. It’s an instant own.

If root login is disabled, it’s way less likely that whatever bug it is ALSO allows them to bypass root login being disabled. Now they have to yeah, find a user account, compromise that, try to key log or session hijack or whatever they set up, be successful, and elevate to root. That’s WAY more work, way more time to detect, to install patches.

If the effort is higher, then this kind of attack isn’t going to be used to own small fry servers; it’s only be worth it for bigger targets, even if they’re more well protected.

If you leave root enabled, you’re already burnt. You’re already a bot in the DDoS network.

And why? You couldn’t be bothered to type one extra command in your terminal? One extra word at the start of each command?

Sorry bitch, eat your fucking vegetables

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