OpenSSH Configuration & Tunneling Guide
Secure Configuration, Hardening, and Advanced SSH Tunneling Techniques
What's Included:
Key Highlights
- Deep dive into OpenSSH client and server configuration
- Production-grade SSH hardening techniques
- Advanced SSH tunneling explained with real use cases
- Secure jump host and bastion server patterns
- Automation-ready OpenSSH configurations
- Auditing, logging, and incident response guidance
Overview
Learn how to securely configure, harden, and fully exploit OpenSSH, including advanced tunneling, port forwarding, automation, and enterprise-grade SSH practices.
The Problem
Default OpenSSH configurations expose systems to brute-force attacks, credential abuse, and lateral movement. Many administrators also fail to use SSH tunneling effectively, relying on insecure network workarounds.
The Solution
This book provides a complete, security-first approach to OpenSSH configuration, hardening, and tunneling—enabling secure remote access, protected network paths, and efficient automation.
About This Book
Master OpenSSH Beyond Basic Remote Access
OpenSSH Configuration & Tunneling Guide is a practical, security-focused handbook for professionals who want to fully leverage OpenSSH in modern infrastructure.
Most environments rely on default SSH configurations, weak authentication, and minimal understanding of tunneling capabilities. This book shows how to transform OpenSSH into a secure, flexible, and powerful networking tool.
What This Book Covers
- OpenSSH architecture and protocol fundamentals
- Advanced SSH client configuration techniques
- Secure OpenSSH server setup and hardening
- SSH key authentication and agent forwarding
- Local, remote, and dynamic (SOCKS) tunneling
- Jump hosts and bastion server design
- SSH multiplexing for performance
- Automation and scripting with OpenSSH
- Logging, auditing, and incident response
Security-First, Real-World Approach
Every chapter is grounded in real operational scenarios. Configuration examples, command references, and troubleshooting guidance ensure immediate practical value.
By the end of this book, OpenSSH will become a controlled, hardened, and versatile component of your infrastructure—not just a login mechanism.
Bas van den Berg
Who Is This Book For?
- Linux and Unix system administrators
- DevOps and SRE engineers
- Security and blue-team professionals
- Network engineers using SSH tunnels
- Cloud and hybrid infrastructure admins
Who Is This Book NOT For?
- Absolute beginners with no SSH experience
- Users looking only for basic SSH login usage
- Readers seeking GUI-based remote tools
Table of Contents
- What OpenSSH Is and Why It Matters
- OpenSSH Architecture
- OpenSSH Client Basics
- Advanced SSH Client Configuration
- OpenSSH Server Configuration Basics
- Hardening OpenSSH Servers
- SSH Key Authentication in Depth
- SSH Agents and Forwarding
- Understanding SSH Tunneling
- Local Port Forwarding
- Remote Port Forwarding
- Dynamic Port Forwarding (SOCKS)
- SSH Multiplexing
- Jump Hosts and Bastion Servers
- OpenSSH in Automation
- Logging, Auditing, and Monitoring
- Handling SSH Security Incidents
- OpenSSH Best Practices Checklist
- From OpenSSH User to Expert
Requirements
- Basic Linux or Unix command-line experience
- Basic understanding of SSH usage
- Access to Linux servers or VMs recommended
