6 Examples of SSH-Related Activities That Technology Security Managers Should Monitor

The reason most technology security managers struggle to protect their systems from unauthorized access and data breaches is because they often overlook monitoring critical SSH-related activities. This happens because SSH (Secure Shell) is a commonly used protocol for secure remote access and file transfers, but it can also be exploited by hackers and insiders to gain unauthorized access or exfiltrate sensitive data.

In this blog post, we're going to walk you through six examples of SSH-related activities that technology security managers should monitor. By actively monitoring these activities, you can significantly enhance the security of your systems and networks, prevent unauthorized access, and protect sensitive information.

Here are the main points we will cover:

• Failed SSH Login Attempts
• Outbound SSH Connections to Suspicious IP Addresses
• Unusual SSH File Transfers
• Suspicious SSH Tunneling Activities
• Unauthorized SSH Key Usage
• Inactive SSH Sessions

Monitoring these activities will provide you with valuable insights into potential security risks, enabling you to take proactive measures to strengthen your systems' security. By doing so, you can ensure the integrity and confidentiality of your organization's data and prevent unauthorized access.

Failed SSH Login Attempts

Monitoring failed SSH login attempts is crucial for technology security managers to identify potential unauthorized access attempts. Failed login attempts can indicate brute-force attacks or hackers attempting to gain unauthorized access to a system or network. According to a report by Verizon, 80% of hacking-related breaches involve the use of stolen or weak credentials.

By actively monitoring failed SSH login attempts, you can promptly detect and respond to potential security breaches, minimizing the risk of successful unauthorized access. Failing to monitor failed SSH login attempts can leave a system vulnerable to credential-based attacks, increasing the likelihood of successful breaches.

An actionable tip is to implement an automated monitoring system that alerts security managers when a predetermined number of failed SSH login attempts occur within a defined time period. For instance, a technology security manager can set up a tool like Fail2Ban to automatically ban IP addresses attempting multiple failed SSH logins, effectively blocking potential unauthorized access attempts.

One real-life example of using this approach is when a security manager receives an alert that an IP address has attempted ten failed SSH logins within five minutes. Upon investigation, the security manager identifies this as a potential brute-force attack and promptly implements additional security measures to block further attempts.

The takeaway here is that monitoring failed SSH login attempts is an essential practice for security managers to safeguard systems and networks from credential-based attacks.

Outbound SSH Connections to Suspicious IP Addresses

Security managers should closely monitor outbound SSH connections to suspicious IP addresses to prevent data exfiltration or unauthorized access to external systems. Outbound SSH connections to suspicious IP addresses can indicate compromised systems or hackers attempting to exfiltrate data or gain unauthorized access to external networks.

According to a study by Zscaler, 72% of organizations have experienced an attempted or successful data exfiltration attack. By monitoring outbound SSH connections to suspicious IP addresses, security managers can detect and mitigate potential data exfiltration or unauthorized access attempts, protecting sensitive information.

Ignoring outbound SSH connections to suspicious IP addresses increases the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to external systems. An actionable tip is to implement network traffic monitoring tools that can detect and analyze outbound SSH connections and alert security managers of any connections to suspicious IP addresses.

For example, if a security manager notices an SSH connection from an internal system to an IP address associated with a known malicious actor, they can investigate and take appropriate actions, such as blocking further communication with that IP address.

The takeaway here is that monitoring outbound SSH connections to suspicious IP addresses is vital for preventing data exfiltration and unauthorized access attempts.

Unusual SSH File Transfers

Security managers must monitor unusual SSH file transfers to prevent data leakage or unauthorized transfer of sensitive information. Unusual SSH file transfers may indicate insider threats, unauthorized data sharing, or attempts to exfiltrate sensitive data.

According to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, 30% of breaches involved internal actors. By monitoring unusual SSH file transfers, security managers can identify and investigate potential data breaches, reducing the risk of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

Failing to monitor unusual SSH file transfers may result in undetected data leaks, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data. An actionable tip is to implement file integrity monitoring systems that detect and alert security managers of any unusual or unauthorized SSH file transfers.

For instance, if an employee suddenly starts initiating a high volume of SSH file transfers to an external server during non-working hours, it could be a potential indicator of data exfiltration or unauthorized data sharing.

The takeaway here is that proactively monitoring unusual SSH file transfers helps security managers prevent data leakage and protect sensitive information.

Suspicious SSH Tunneling Activities

Security managers should monitor suspicious SSH tunneling activities to prevent bypassing security controls or unauthorized access to internal systems. Suspicious SSH tunneling activities can indicate attempts to bypass network restrictions, conceal malicious activities, or gain unauthorized access to internal resources.

According to a study by FireEye, 22% of observed advanced persistent threat (APT) groups leveraged SSH tunneling for lateral movement. By monitoring suspicious SSH tunneling activities, security managers can identify potential threats, block unauthorized tunneling attempts, and mitigate the risk of data breaches or system compromise.

Neglecting to monitor suspicious SSH tunneling activities increases the chances of successful lateral movement by attackers and compromises internal network security. An actionable tip is to configure network security devices to detect and block SSH tunneling attempts and regularly review network logs for any suspicious tunneling activities.

For example, if a security manager notices SSH traffic passing through non-standard ports or encrypted tunnels that bypass normal security controls, it could indicate attempts to establish covert communication channels for malicious purposes.

The takeaway here is that active monitoring and prevention of suspicious SSH tunneling activities are critical for maintaining the integrity and security of internal systems and networks.

Unauthorized SSH Key Usage

Technology security managers should monitor unauthorized SSH key usage to prevent unauthorized access to systems and protect against insider threats. Unauthorized SSH key usage can enable unauthorized individuals to gain unrestricted access to systems or networks, bypassing traditional login mechanisms and leaving no trace.

According to a Ponemon Institute study, 60% of organizations experienced a data breach caused by insiders. Monitoring unauthorized SSH key usage allows security managers to identify potential insider threats, revoke unauthorized access quickly, and mitigate the risk of data breaches or system compromise.

The mistake to avoid here is failing to monitor unauthorized SSH key usage, which leaves systems vulnerable to unauthorized access and increases the likelihood of data breaches or insider attacks. An actionable tip is to implement a centralized SSH key management system that tracks and controls the usage of SSH keys. Regularly reviewing key access privileges and removing keys that should no longer have access is also essential.

For instance, if a security manager notices that an employee's SSH key is used to access systems or resources unrelated to their job responsibilities, it could indicate a potential insider threat, and the key should be promptly revoked.

The takeaway here is that proactively monitoring unauthorized SSH key usage is vital for preventing unauthorized access, mitigating insider threats, and protecting sensitive data.

Inactive SSH Sessions

Security managers should monitor inactive SSH sessions to prevent unauthorized access, session hijacking, or privileged identity abuse. Inactive SSH sessions increase the risk of unauthorized access, session hijacking, or exploitation of unattended privileged identities.

According to the CyberArk Global Advanced Threat Landscape Report, 54% of organizations do not enforce session time-outs, potentially allowing inactive, unattended sessions to be exploited. By monitoring inactive SSH sessions, security managers can identify and terminate lingering sessions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, session hijacking, or misuse of privileged accounts.

The mistake to avoid here is neglecting to monitor inactive SSH sessions, as it can lead to unauthorized access, misuse of privileged identities, or unauthorized changes to systems or data. An actionable tip is to configure session time-outs, actively monitor SSH connection logs for idle sessions, and terminate inactive sessions after a defined period of inactivity.

For example, if a security manager notices an SSH session that remains active for an unusual period without any user activity, it should be investigated and terminated promptly to prevent unauthorized access or abuse.

The takeaway here is that regularly monitoring and terminating inactive SSH sessions is essential for preventing unauthorized access, protecting privileged identities, and maintaining system security.

Conclusion

Monitoring SSH-related activities plays a crucial role in enhancing the security of technology systems and networks. By actively monitoring failed SSH login attempts, outbound SSH connections to suspicious IP addresses, unusual SSH file transfers, suspicious SSH tunneling activities, unauthorized SSH key usage, and inactive SSH sessions, technology security managers can identify potential security risks, prevent unauthorized access, and protect sensitive information.

Take the necessary steps to implement proactive monitoring systems and processes to strengthen your organization's security posture. By doing so, you can mitigate the risk of data breaches, protect your systems from unauthorized access, and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your organization's data. Remember, it is always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to technology security.