Stop SSH brute force attempts

This article addresses the common problem of SSH brute force attacks on Linux servers exposed to the internet. It presents three effective techniques to block bots while maintaining admin flexibility: using public key authentication instead of passwords, changing the default SSH port, and implementing fail2ban or similar tools. The author emphasizes that disabling password-based authentication with SSH keys is the most secure approach, as keys are exponentially harder to crack. The article also warns against overly restrictive IP whitelisting that could lock out admins during emergencies, and suggests defense-in-depth strategies for organizations using VPNs. Practical steps for generating SSH keys on various operating systems are included.