SSH Password Authentication: Security Risks and Top 5 Alternatives

What is password authentication in SSH? 

Password authentication in SSH allows users to access a remote system by entering a password associated with their account. It is one of the simplest methods for verifying user identity, requiring no special configuration beyond a username and password. 

Users directly input this information into the SSH client, which transmits it to the server for verification. Although straightforward, this method poses certain security challenges as we will explore.

SSH, or Secure Shell, is a network protocol that provides secure access to a computer, even over an unsecured network. Password authentication enables immediate user access. However, the reliance on passwords makes this method susceptible to various attacks like brute-force attempts, highlighting the need for additional security measures.

In this article:

How SSH password authentication works 

When a user attempts to authenticate using a password, the SSH client initiates a connection with the server, negotiating encryption protocols to establish a secure channel. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Establishing the connection: The SSH client connects to the server on the designated port (usually port 22). Both parties agree on the encryption algorithm to secure their communication.
2. Server identity verification: When connecting to a server for the first time, the SSH client does not have the server’s host key stored locally. In this case, it prompts the user to confirm the server’s public key fingerprint. If the user accepts, the key is added to the client’s known_hosts file. On subsequent connections, the client compares the server’s presented key with the stored one. If there’s a mismatch, the client warns of a potential security issue, such as a man-in-the-middle attack, and may refuse the connection unless explicitly overridden.
3. Password prompt: Once the connection is established and the server identity is verified, the server requests the user’s password. The client displays a prompt for the user to enter their password.
4. Password transmission: The SSH client encrypts the password using the agreed-upon encryption algorithm before sending it over the secure channel to prevent interception.
5. Password validation: The server decrypts the password and compares it with the stored credential for the user account. If the password matches, access is granted; otherwise, the server denies authentication.

This process ensures the password is never transmitted in plaintext, maintaining confidentiality during the exchange. However, the security of this method hinges on the strength of the user’s password and the server’s resilience to attacks.

Security risks of password authentication 

Password authentication, while easy to implement, has several security risks that administrators must address:

• Susceptibility to brute-force attacks: Attackers can attempt to guess user passwords by trying a large number of combinations. Without rate-limiting or account lockout mechanisms, this can compromise accounts.
• Weak passwords: If users set weak or easily guessable passwords, the system becomes an easy target for attackers. Strong password policies are essential but often difficult to enforce consistently.
• Password reuse: Users may reuse passwords across multiple systems. If a password is compromised elsewhere, it can endanger the SSH system as well.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks: Although the password is encrypted during transmission, an attacker who successfully intercepts and manipulates the connection before the encryption setup could still harvest credentials if the user accepts an unverified host key.
• Credential theft: Malware or phishing schemes targeting users can harvest credentials, granting attackers unauthorized access.

Related content: Read our guide to passwordless authentication

Tips from the expert

Anthony Dombrowski Developer Relations

Anthony Dombrowski is a product manager and developer advocate with expertise in developer experience, cybersecurity, and product strategy. He has led initiatives at Ping Identity and DevNetwork to enhance developer tools, authentication processes, and user experiences.

Anthony Dombrowski is a product manager and developer advocate with expertise in developer experience, cybersecurity, and product strategy. He has led initiatives at Ping Identity and DevNetwork to enhance developer tools, authentication processes, and user experiences.

• Disable password authentication for privileged accounts: For sensitive accounts such as root or admin-level users, enforce key-based or multi-factor authentication. This ensures high-risk resources cannot be accessed via password-only methods, reducing exposure to brute-force, credential-theft attacks, and more.
• Implement IP-based access controls: Use AllowUsers, AllowGroups, or Match Address directives in the SSH server configuration to restrict access to trusted IP ranges. This limits the attack surface by ensuring only requests from known networks can reach your SSH service.
• Employ port knocking for SSH access: Use port-knocking techniques to obscure the SSH port (usually 22) and open it only after a specific sequence of connection attempts. This adds a security layer, preventing unsolicited access attempts from attackers scanning for open SSH ports.
• Harden SSH configuration settings: Disable unused SSH features such as X11 forwarding, agent forwarding, and TTY allocation unless required. Additionally, ensure the PermitRootLogin directive is set to no, unless explicitly needed and accounted for, and reduce idle session timeouts with the ClientAliveInterval and ClientAliveCountMax directives.
• Integrate real-time threat detection tools: Pair SSH logs with security monitoring platforms like Splunk/Data Dog/New Relic/etc. Configure alerts for unusual activities, such as multiple failed logins from the same IP or login attempts during non-business hours, enabling faster incident response.
• Keep just enough audit logs: It can be tempting to dump everything into the audit logs, but this not only makes it harder to find pertinent info when debugging or tracing event history, it also increases the chances of sensitive info leaking without intentionally removing sensitive info from logs. A balance must also be found between how long audit logs are kept for a longer track record with the risk of data leaks or breaches with the logs still available.

Best practices for secure SSH password authentication 

Securing SSH access involves implementing a series of best practices that focus on strengthening password authentication.

Use strong, complex passwords

Using strong and complex passwords is essential for increasing SSH security. Passwords should consist of a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, ideally avoiding common words or patterns. This complexity makes passwords resilient against brute-force and dictionary attacks.

Encouraging regular updates and establishing a minimum password length can further elevate security. Users should avoid reusing passwords across platforms to prevent cascading security breaches. Organizations can enforce these requirements through policies, leveraging password managers to help users maintain secure, unique password sets without the burden of remembering complex combinations.

Implement account lockout policies

Account lockout policies serve as a defensive mechanism by temporarily disabling access after a set number of failed login attempts. This practice hinders brute-force attacks by increasing the time required for attackers to guess valid credentials. Configuring lockout settings involves specifying the number of failed attempts before a lockout and the duration before re-enabling access.

Implementing these policies can deter attackers from targeting SSH accounts with weak passwords, as excessive failures prompt an automatic suspension. Regular reviews of lockout settings ensure that the security measures remain aligned with organizational policies while not overly inconveniencing legitimate users requiring access to critical resources.

Limit SSH access to specific users or groups

Restricting SSH access to designated users or groups reduces the potential attack vector by limiting the number of accounts available for unauthorized exploitation. This practice ensures that only trusted personnel can access SSH services. Configuration involves setting the AllowUsers or AllowGroups directives within the sshd_config file to define the parameters.

By tailoring SSH access at the user or group level, administrators can maintain tighter control over who can authenticate via password. This is particularly effective in large organizations where user access comprises diverse roles and responsibilities. Fine-tuning these settings provides another layer of security, preventing unauthorized attempts in production.

Use Fail2Ban to mitigate brute-force attacks

Fail2Ban is a protective solution designed to counteract brute-force attacks by monitoring SSH log files for suspicious behavior, such as repeated failed login attempts. Based on predefined criteria, Fail2Ban automatically bans IP addresses executing these patterns, thwarting potential breaches.

Implementing Fail2Ban involves setting up and configuring filters and actions to define which behaviors trigger a response and what actions should follow. Regular updates to these rules help adapt to evolving attack methods. Utilizing Fail2Ban alongside strong password policies contributes significantly to securing SSH environments from persistent attack vectors.

Regularly Monitor SSH Logs for Suspicious Activity

Regular monitoring of SSH logs is vital for early threat detection and response, allowing administrators to identify unauthorized access attempts and unusual activities. Reviewing logs helps trace the source of potential breaches and enables proactive security measures.

Logs can reveal patterns such as repeated login attempts or unexpected access from unknown IP addresses, signaling possible security incidents. Automation tools and scripts can parse these logs regularly, alerting administrators to anomalies promptly. This continuous vigilance forms a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure SSH environment.

Alternatives to password authentication for SSH

When using SSH, there are several ways to ensure security in addition to password authentication.

1. Public key authentication

Public key authentication is a secure alternative to traditional passwords, using a pair of cryptographic keys for user authentication. When connecting to an SSH server, the client proves its identity by sending a signature generated with the private key, verified by the server using the associated public key. This method eliminates the need to transmit passwords.

The use of SSH key pairs ensures that only users with the corresponding private key can access the server, mitigating risks associated with password compromise. Managing key distribution and securely storing private keys ensure the effectiveness of this authentication method. Regular key rotation further improves security and maintains system integrity.

2. Certificate-based authentication

Certificate-based authentication leverages digital certificates to verify a user’s identity in an SSH connection. Instead of relying on password or key files, a trusted certificate authority (CA) issues certificates that both the client and server use to authenticate one another. These certificates contain public keys and other metadata, such as validity periods and user information.

The SSH server validates the client certificate against its trusted CA list. If the certificate is valid and unexpired, the client is granted access. This method simplifies key management, as administrators can revoke a single certificate without reconfiguring every server. It also provides a scalable solution for large environments where managing individual keys is cumbersome. 

3. Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide an additional verification factor to access an SSH system. Typically, this involves a combination of:

1. Something the user knows: A password or PIN.
2. Something the user has: A hardware token, mobile device, or keycard.
3. Something the user is: Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition.

MFA drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access because even if one factor (e.g., a password) is compromised, attackers cannot gain access without the additional required factors. For SSH, this is often implemented using Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) or push notifications via mobile authentication apps. Configuration typically involves integrating SSH with MFA providers like Google Authenticator, Duo, or YubiKey.

4. GSSAPI authentication

GSSAPI (Generic Security Services Application Program Interface) authentication allows users to authenticate with SSH using existing Kerberos-based systems, common in enterprise environments. It eliminates the need for password-based authentication by leveraging the user’s existing Kerberos ticket.

When a user initiates an SSH connection, the client uses the GSSAPI protocol to forward the Kerberos credentials to the server, which validates them against its Kerberos infrastructure. GSSAPI authentication also supports single sign-on (SSO), allowing users to access multiple systems without repeatedly entering credentials. However, its implementation requires a properly configured Kerberos environment, which can be complex to set up and maintain.

5. Hardware token authentication

Hardware token authentication employs physical devices to improve SSH security. These tokens generate one-time passwords (OTPs) or store cryptographic keys that authenticate users during login. Examples include YubiKeys, smart cards, or USB security keys compatible with the FIDO2 or PIV standards.

In a typical setup, the hardware token communicates with the SSH client or server to complete the authentication process. For example, a user may need to insert a USB token and touch it to confirm their identity. Only individuals with access to the physical token can authenticate. 

Hardware token authentication is particularly useful in environments like financial institutions or government agencies. However, administrators must manage token issuance, replacement for lost or damaged tokens, and integration with existing systems to maximize its effectiveness.

Related content: Read our guide to 2FA vs MFA

Secure authentication with Frontegg

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