# Cis GCP Cos 5.1.1

> Ensure permissions on /etc/ssh/sshd_config are configured

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-1` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-1`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-1/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-1

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# 5.1.1 Ensure permissions on /etc/ssh/sshd_config are configured (Automated)

## Description

The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file contains configuration specifications for `sshd`. The command below sets the owner and group of the file to root.

## Rationale

The `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file needs to be protected from unauthorized changes by non-privileged users.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify `Uid` and `Gid` are both `0/root` and `Access` does not grant permissions to `group` or `other`:

```bash
# stat /etc/ssh/sshd_config
Access: (0600/-rw-------)   Uid: (    0/    root)   Gid: (    0/    root)
```

## Expected Result

- `Uid` is `0/root`
- `Gid` is `0/root`
- Access is `0600/-rw-------` (no permissions for group or other)

## Remediation

Run the following commands to set ownership and permissions on `/etc/ssh/sshd_config`:

```bash
# chown root:root /etc/ssh/sshd_config
# chmod og-rwx /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                 | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists | x    | x    | x    |
| v7               | 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations     | x    | x    | x    |

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server