Disable Direct Root Login in cpanel server

Another security measure you can take to lock down a Linux server is to disable the root user login in the SSH server.

First you need to add new admin user

root@server1 [~]# adduser admin
root@server1 [~]# passwd admin

Please keep admin password

root@server1 [~]# vi /etc/group
Make sure admin user wheel settings

wheel:x:10:root,admin

Modifying The sshd_conf File

Remember, backing up any important system file before you modify it is always a good idea!

 

root@server1 [~]# cp /etc/ssh/sshd_config /etc/ssh/sshd_config_backup

1. Copy and paste this line to edit the file for SSH logins

root@server1 [~]# vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config

2. Find the line
Protocol 2, 1

3. Uncomment it and change it to look like
Protocol 2

4. Next, find the line
PermitRootLogin yes

1. Uncomment it and make it look like PermitRootLogin no




2. Save the file Ctrl+X then Y then enter

7. Now you can restart SSH
root@server1 [~]# /etc/rc.d/init.d/sshd restart


SSH into your server as 'admin' and gain root access by su