# Cis GCP Cos 5.1.7

> Ensure SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-7` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-7`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-5-1-7/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-5-1-7

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# 5.1.7 Ensure SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less (Automated)

## Description

The `MaxAuthTries` parameter specifies the maximum number of authentication attempts permitted per connection. When the login failure count reaches half the number, error messages will be written to the `journald` logs detailing the login failure.

## Rationale

Setting the `MaxAuthTries` parameter to a low number will minimize the risk of successful brute force attacks to the SSH server. While the recommended setting is 4, set the number based on site policy.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output `MaxAuthTries` is 4 or less:

```bash
# sshd -T | grep maxauthtries

MaxAuthTries 4
```

## Expected Result

Output should show `MaxAuthTries` set to 4 or less.

## Remediation

Edit the `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` file to set the parameter as follows:

```
MaxAuthTries 4
```

## Default Value

MaxAuthTries 6

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                         | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 8.2 Collect Audit Logs                          | x    | x    | x    |
| v7               | 16.13 Alert on Account Login Behavior Deviation |      |      | x    |

## Profile

- Level 2 - Server