How to Allow root to use SSH on Ubuntu 14.04

By default, Ubuntu 14.04 does not permit the root user to log in through SSH for security reasons. However, there might be situations where you need to enable SSH access for the root user. In this guide, we will show you how to allow the root user to use SSH on Ubuntu 14.04. Please note that this action may expose your system to potential security risks, and it is recommended to use a non-root user with sudo privileges for most administrative tasks.

Step 1: Backup the SSH configuration file

Before making any changes to the SSH configuration, create a backup of the current configuration file:

sudo cp /etc/ssh/sshd_config /etc/ssh/sshd_config.backup

Step 2: Edit the SSH configuration file

Open the SSH configuration file with a text editor, such as nano:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Find the following line:

#PermitRootLogin without-password

Uncomment this line by removing the “#” at the beginning, and change “without-password” to “yes”:

PermitRootLogin yes

Save and close the file.

Step 3: Restart the SSH service

Apply the changes by restarting the SSH service:

sudo service ssh restart

The root user should now be able to log in via SSH using the root password.

root@ubuntu14:~# service sshd restart
ssh stop/waiting
ssh start/running, process 1499
root@ubuntu14:~#

Programs Mentioned:

• SSH (Secure Shell) – A cryptographic network protocol for operating network services securely over an unsecured network, commonly used for remote command-line login and remote command execution.
• sshd_config – The main configuration file for the OpenSSH server, which contains various settings that control the server’s behavior and security features.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have successfully enabled SSH access for the root user on Ubuntu 14.04. Please be aware that allowing root access via SSH can be a security risk, and it is generally recommended to use a non-root user with sudo privileges instead. Always ensure that you use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and keep your system up-to-date with security patches.

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