How to change SSH port on CentOS 7
Secure shell, more commonly known as SSH, is a network protocol that provides secure channels for server communications on a network in a client-server architecture. This protocol is used in many applications, such as users accessing shell accounts on a server or during communications for authentication. SSH communications go through something called a port, which is essentially a communications endpoint on a server. By default, SSH uses the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) port 22. Being able to modify this SSH port number on your CentOS 7 server is an easy and proven way that you can enhance server security by switching to a less-commonly known port.
In this guide, we will show you how you can change SSH port number to any desired choice, on your own CentOS 7 server.
Prerequisites
Confirm that you have the following before you follow this guide:
- 1 Server (Cloud Server or Dedicated Server) running CentOS 7, Centos 8.
- Root access to the node
Install nano package to have easy access to the configuration file
- Run the following command to install nano package:
yum install nano -y -q
Open and edit the SSH daemon configuration file
- Run the following command to open the sshd_config file:
nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config
2. Use the arrow keys to scroll through the file until you locate the following text:
#Port 22 #AddressFamily any #ListenAddress 0.0.0.0 #ListenAddress ::
3. Place the cursor on the line below #Port 22 Press Enter to create a new line and type:
Port 1515
In our case the port number we’ll be using is “1515” you can customize it as you desire.
4. Restart the SSH service to apply the changes using the following command:
systemctl restart sshd.service
Bind SSH daemon to the new port
1. Install the policycoreutils package to bind the SSH daemon to the new SSH port by using the following command:
yum install policycoreutils -y -q
2. Add the following rules to ensure that the SSH daemon binds with the specified port:
semanage port -a -t ssh_port_t -p tcp 1515 semanage port -m -t ssh_port_t -p tcp 1515
Conclusion
Congratulations! Now you have successfully configured a new port for SSH on your CentOS 7 server. If this introduction to the basics was helpful to you, please feel free to share this tutorial with your friends.
