How to Safely Change Your Linux Server's Default SSH Port






Automated script-kiddie scans are an ongoing nuisance for anyone running a web server. Within minutes of an IP address going live, automated bots are trying credential stuffing on port 22.

Moving your SSH port doesn't create an unbreachable server, but it strips away the vast majority of background attacks, keeping your authentication logs readable and saving system resources.

The Safe Transition Checklist:

  1. Pick a non-predictable port above 1023 (Avoid 2222, as it's heavily targeted).

  2. Edit your configuration file located at /etc/ssh/sshd_config.

  3. Configure firewalls (UFW or firewalld) and test before disconnecting.

  4. Handle SELinux exceptions if you are running RHEL-based distributions.

If you omit any of these security layers during configuration, you run a high risk of losing access to your instance entirely.

🔗 For the complete step-by-step tutorial with all necessary commands, check out our full guide: https://www.fitservers.com/tutorials/howto/change-default-ssh-port/

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