Today I explored ssh-audit, a tool designed to audit SSH configurations. Although it’s an excellent tool, I found the hardening guides somewhat lacking. Hence, I decided to write a detailed walkthrough, ensuring the ssh/sshd configurations are easily readable.
Personally I made sure SSH is only accessible when connected through a VPN setup for that purpose. As in, that same machine hosts a Wireguard setup (through Tailscale) and you need to connect to that first before SSH is available. And then SSH also only accepts key-based authentication. I don't think I need more than that?
What if wireguard has issues? Then you cant ssh in to fix
that really just depends on your scenario
I have a VPS that runs the main proxy which I can always access via a console on the website of the company I’m renting it from (Hetzner). The other machines run locally in my home so I can just plug in a cable if need be.
Couldn't you just use ssh port forwarding?
If they use the VPN for other things too, it's simpler this way
Sure but I rather not have the SSH port open to the world, it just makes it harder for attackers to get in this way. Besides I use the VPN for more things, some self-hosted services I don’t want accessible by the whole world.