cPanelMichael

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 11, 2011
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Hello,

I've moved this post to it's own separate thread. You can update the "root" password via:

"WHM >> Server Configuration >> Change Root Password"

The following document is also useful as it explains the potential SSH security options that you may have enabled in the past:

https://documentation.cpanel.net/display/CKB/How+to+Secure+SSH

Thank you.
 
Jul 13, 2016
16
1
3
Toronto
cPanel Access Level
Root Administrator
Thanks, I changed the password but I get access denied when trying to login via ssh. I've also gone over the link you sent, I don't see an option to prevent root from logging in unless I'm missing it...
 

cPanelMichael

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 11, 2011
47,880
2,270
463
New Thanks, I changed the password but I get access denied when trying to login via ssh. I've also gone over the link you sent, I don't see an option to prevent root from logging in unless I'm missing it...
Check to see if password authentication is permitted by browsing to:

"WHM Home >> Security Center >> SSH Password Authorization Tweak"

Otherwise, you can try the safesshrestart Autofixer that's documented here to temporarily reset SSH access so you can login and change your /etc/ssh/sshd_config settings:

WHM FAQ - WHM AutoFixer

Thank you.
 

cPanelMichael

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 11, 2011
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2,270
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So I get into the ssh_config and I'm adding permitrootlogin but then I get permission denied when trying to save the file.....
Could you provide additional information about the specific commands you are using to edit the file, along with the username you used to access SSH?

Thank you.
 

cPanelMichael

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 11, 2011
47,880
2,270
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I'm logged in as the user Caldwell who is not an admin and I used Nano sshd_config. I can edit the file but when I go to save it it gives me the permission error.
You must login as the user "root". You can try the safesshrestart Autofixer referenced above if initial access as "root" to SSH is not working.

Thank you.
 

cPanelMichael

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 11, 2011
47,880
2,270
463
That worked! I'll follow the instructions on the other thread. I guess you can close this now?
I'm happy to see SSH access is now working. Thank you for updating us with the outcome.