How to Enable SSH Root Login on Ubuntu 16.04

Enable SSH Root Login

While enabling SSH root login on Ubuntu 16.04 is not recommended due to security risks, there might be situations where you need temporary root access via SSH. In this guide, we will show you how to enable SSH root login on Ubuntu 16.04. It is crucial to understand the security implications of this action, as it makes your system vulnerable to attacks.

Step 1: Configure the SSH Server

First, open the SSH configuration file using a text editor such as nano:

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Find the line that contains:

PermitRootLogin prohibit-password

Change this line to:

PermitRootLogin yes

This change enables SSH root login on your system.

Step 2: Set a Strong Root Password

Ensure that the root account has a strong password. You can set a new password for the root user with the following command:

sudo passwd root

You will be prompted to enter the new root password twice. Make sure to use a strong and unique password.

rsuog@ubuntu16:~$ sudo passwd root
Enter new UNIX password:
Retype new UNIX password:
passwd: password updated successfully

Step 3: Restart the SSH Service

To apply the changes you made in the SSH configuration file, restart the SSH service with the following command:

sudo systemctl restart ssh

The SSH service will restart, and your system will now allow root login via SSH.

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Conclusion

You have successfully enabled SSH root login on Ubuntu 16.04. Keep in mind that this configuration poses significant security risks, as it exposes your system to potential attacks. It is highly recommended to disable SSH root login after you have completed your tasks that require root access.

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Why it is not recommended enabling SSH root login on Ubuntu 16.04?

Enabling SSH root login on Ubuntu 16.04 is not recommended due to security risks because it allows attackers to target the most privileged account on your system, the root user. If the root account is compromised, the attacker gains full control over the entire system, leading to significant consequences such as data loss, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and server compromise.

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Here are some reasons why enabling SSH root login is considered insecure:

  1. The root user has the ability to modify any file, execute any command, and change any setting on the system. An attacker who gains access to the root account can cause severe damage to your system.
  2. Attackers can use brute-force attacks to guess the root password. Since the root user is a default account on Linux systems, attackers often target it with automated attacks, trying various username and password combinations.
  3. Similar to brute-force attacks, dictionary attacks involve attackers using a list of common passwords or variations of passwords to attempt unauthorized access to the root account.
  4. If you log in as root via SSH, your password might be intercepted by keyloggers or through phishing attacks, giving attackers access to your system.

To mitigate these risks, it’s better to use a regular, non-root user account with sudo privileges to perform administrative tasks. This way, even if an attacker compromises your user account, they would still need to escalate privileges to gain complete control over the system.

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What are the situations where you need temporary root access via SSH

  1. Emergency recovery: In case your system experiences a critical failure or corruption, you might need root access to repair the system, restore backups, or recover data.
  2. Remote administration: If you are responsible for managing multiple servers or remote systems, you might occasionally require root access to perform specific administrative tasks that cannot be done using a regular user account.
  3. Software installation and configuration: Some software packages or system configurations might require root access for installation, updates, or modification.
  4. Troubleshooting: In some cases, diagnosing and fixing issues related to system services, hardware, or network configurations might require temporary root access.

It’s essential to understand that enabling SSH root login should be done only when necessary and for a limited time. Always disable root login after completing the task that requires root access and follow best security practices such as using strong passwords, setting up two-factor authentication, and monitoring system logs for any suspicious activity.

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