Disabling the ability to log in to your Raspberry Pi via SSH using a password can significantly boost security by thwarting attempts at brute force attacks. This blog post will guide you through the process of disabling password login and relying solely on SSH keys for authentication, ensuring robust protection for your Pi.
Why Disable SSH Password Login?
The traditional method of SSH login using passwords is vulnerable to brute force attacks, where malicious actors attempt to guess or crack passwords. By disabling password login and relying solely on SSH keys, you drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your Pi.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding, ensure that you have successfully set up SSH keys on your Raspberry Pi. If you haven't done so already, you can follow the steps outlined in my "Setting Up SSH Keys on the Raspberry Pi" blog post.
Steps to Disable SSH Password Login
Edit SSH Configuration:
Open the SSH configuration file using the following command:
sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Look for the entry labeled "PasswordAuthentication". It may be disabled with a leading # character and set to "yes". Remove the # character and change "yes" to "no" to disable password login.
Save Changes:
After making the necessary changes, save the file by pressing [CTRL-X], then [Y] to confirm, and [ENTER] to exit the text editor.
Activate Changes:
To apply the changes, restart the SSH service by running:
sudo /etc/init.d/ssh restart
Alternatively, you can reboot the Raspberry Pi:
sudo reboot
Reverting Changes
Should you ever need to re-enable SSH password login, simply repeat the process outlined above, but change the "PasswordAuthentication" line back to:
PasswordAuthentication yes
Disabling SSH password login is a quick and effective security enhancement for your Raspberry Pi. However, it's essential to keep your SSH keys safe to ensure uninterrupted access to your Pi. Remember, the public key is stored on the device you wish to access, while the private key is required by the device you're connecting from.
By following these steps, you can fortify your Raspberry Pi against unauthorized access and bolster its overall security posture. Stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your digital assets.
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