SSHGuard
SSHGuard is an intrusion prevention software for Linux and BSD systems. It works by detecting automated brute force attacks against SSH servers and blocks attackers' IP addresses with advanced firewall rules. It is lightweight, easy to configure, and helps harden SSH servers
ssh
linux
bsd
firewall
SSHGuard: Lightweight Intrusion Prevention for Linux & BSD
Detects automated brute force attacks on SSH servers, blocking attackers' IP addresses with advanced firewall rules, and helps harden SSH servers against attacks.
What is SSHGuard?
SSHGuard is an open source intrusion prevention software designed to protect Linux and BSD based systems that run SSH servers. It analyzes system log files in real-time to detect attacks such as brute force attempts to guess passwords, scans searching for SSH server vulnerabilities, and other common attacks targeting systems with SSH ports exposed to the internet.
SSHGuard works by leveraging the power of IPtables firewall rules on Linux and PF firewall on BSD systems. When an attack is detected via the logs, SSHGuard will immediately block the attacker's IP address automatically at the firewall level. The ban can be configured to expire after a set amount of time or stay permanently blocked depending on preferences.
Some key capabilities and benefits of SSHGuard include:
- Lightweight software with minimal system resource usage
- Easy installation and configuration, no need to modify SSH server configs
- Real-time attack detection by parsing auth and firewall logs
- Automatic blocking at firewall level when attacks are seen
- Predefined ban thresholds for common vectors like SSH brute force
- Configurable ban duration, from temporary to permanent blocking
- Whitelist to exclude trusted IP ranges from ever being blocked
Overall, SSHGuard serves as an integral layer of defense to significantly enhance the security of SSH server environments. It prevents attackers from completing brute force and scanning attacks, stopping threats at the network perimeter while requiring minimal setup and ongoing management.
SSHGuard Features
Features
- Detects and blocks automated brute force attacks against SSH servers
- Implements advanced firewall rules to block attackers' IP addresses
- Lightweight and easy to configure
- Helps harden SSH servers against attacks
- Supports Linux and BSD systems
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Effective in preventing SSH brute force attacks
Lightweight and low-resource footprint
Easy to set up and configure
Actively maintained and updated
Cons
Focuses only on SSH security, not a comprehensive security solution
May block legitimate users in some cases if not configured properly
Limited customization options compared to some other security tools
Features
- Automated detection and blocking of brute-force attacks against SSH servers
- Advanced firewall rule management to block attackers' IP addresses
- Lightweight and easy to configure
- Helps harden SSH servers against attacks
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Effective in preventing SSH brute-force attacks
Lightweight and non-resource-intensive
Easy to set up and configure
Actively maintained and supported
Cons
Limited to SSH server protection, does not cover other attack vectors
May block legitimate users if not configured properly
Requires manual intervention to manage blocked IP addresses
Official Links
The Best SSHGuard Alternatives
Top Security & Privacy and Intrusion Prevention and other similar apps like SSHGuard
Here are some alternatives to SSHGuard:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Fail2ban
Fail2ban is an open source intrusion prevention software framework designed to protect computer servers from brute-force attacks. It works by monitoring log files for signs of suspicious activity and banning IP addresses that attempt too many failed login attempts.Once Fail2ban detects multiple failed login attempts from the same IP address...
RdpGuard
RdpGuard is a software application designed specifically to protect Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections against brute force cyber attacks. It works by monitoring all login attempts to RDP and employing various security measures to block attackers.Some of the key features of RdpGuard include:IP blacklisting - Automatically blacklist IP addresses after...
IPBanPro
IPBanPro is a powerful IP blocking and banning software used to protect websites by restricting access from unwanted or threatening visitors. It works by analyzing website traffic in real-time and using intelligent algorithms to detect suspicious and malicious activity.Once a potentially malicious IP address is identified, IPBanPro can automatically block...
LF Intrusion Detection
LF Intrusion Detection (LFID) is an open source host-based intrusion detection system designed specifically for Linux servers. It works by analyzing system logs and network traffic in real-time to identify suspicious activity that could indicate an intrusion attempt or cyber attack.Some key capabilities of LFID include:Monitoring system calls to detect...
E.guardo Smart Defender
e.guardo Smart Defender is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to safeguard devices and data against online threats like malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and hackers. It utilizes advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to provide real-time protection against even zero-day attacks.Key features of e.guardo Smart Defender include:Multi-layered threat prevention system including...
SpyLog
SpyLog is a powerful employee monitoring and activity tracking software used by companies to monitor their employee's activity on work computers. It provides a comprehensive set of features to track website visits, capture screenshots and keystrokes, log application and file usage, record chat and email communications, and monitor productivity.Some key...
Denyhosts
DenyHosts is an open-source program created in Python that helps system administrators prevent dictionary and brute force SSH attacks by analyzing SSH server log files to identify IP addresses that are performing multiple failed login attempts. When DenyHosts detects an IP address that has surpassed the allowed threshold for failed...
Win2ban
Win2ban is an open source intrusion prevention software framework for Linux-based servers. It works by scanning log files for signs of abuse or malicious activity, and blocking repeat offenders via firewall rules.Some key features of win2ban include:Monitoring services such as SSH, Apache, Postfix, etc. for signs of brute force attacks,...
HeatShield
HeatShield is a lightweight yet powerful GPU monitoring utility designed specifically for Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. It runs unobtrusively in the background and provides real-time telemetry data on key parameters like GPU core temperature, GPU hot spot temperature, memory temperature, fan speeds, clock speeds, power consumption, GPU load and...
Hookem-Banem
Hookem-Banem is an innovative and easy-to-use diagramming and wireframing application suitable for business professionals, designers, and anyone who needs to map out ideas visually. It has an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows you to quickly create sitemaps, user flows, flowcharts, UI mockups, and more without coding.Key features include a vast...
Pyruse
Pyruse is an open-source reverse engineering platform that supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. It aims to provide a collaborative and extensible framework for analyzing malware, conducting vulnerability research, and more.Key features of Pyruse include:Multi-architecture disassembly and decompilation powered by Capstone and Unicorn EngineNative debugger with conditional breakpoints and Python scripting...
IPQ BDB
IPQ BDB is a high-performance database software optimized for storing and analyzing large volumes of IP network traffic data. It is designed to efficiently handle the storage and querying of massive amounts of network metadata.Key features of IPQ BDB include:Specialized data structures for fast lookups and inserts of IP network...
