# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 2.2.1.2 Ensure ntp is configured

> Verify that NTP is properly configured with restrict options and running as ntp user

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-1-2-ensure-ntp-is-configured` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-1-2-ensure-ntp-is-configured`
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- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-2-2-1-2-ensure-ntp-is-configured

---


# 2.2.1.2 Ensure ntp is configured (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

`ntp` is a daemon which implements the Network Time Protocol (NTP). It is designed to synchronize system clocks across a variety of systems and use a source that is highly accurate. More information on NTP can be found at http://www.ntp.org. `ntp` can be configured to be a client and/or a server.

This recommendation only applies if ntp is in use on the system.

## Rationale

If ntp is in use on the system proper configuration is vital to ensuring time synchronization is working properly.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify output matches:

```bash
grep "^restrict" /etc/ntp.conf
```

Expected output:

```
restrict -4 default kod nomodify notrap nopeer noquery
restrict -6 default kod nomodify notrap nopeer noquery
```

The `-4` in the first line is optional and options after `default` can appear in any order. Additional restriction lines may exist.

Run the following command and verify remote server is configured properly:

```bash
grep "^(server|pool)" /etc/ntp.conf
```

Expected output:

```
server <remote-server>
```

Multiple servers may be configured.

Verify that `ntp` is configured to run as the `ntp` user by running the following command:

```bash
grep "RUNASUSER=ntp" /etc/init.d/ntp
```

Expected output:

```
RUNASUSER=ntp
```

## Expected Result

- Restrict lines should include `default kod nomodify notrap nopeer noquery` for both IPv4 and IPv6.
- At least one remote server or pool should be configured.
- NTP should run as the `ntp` user.

## Remediation

Add or edit restrict lines in `/etc/ntp.conf` to match the following:

```
restrict -4 default kod nomodify notrap nopeer noquery
restrict -6 default kod nomodify notrap nopeer noquery
```

Add or edit server or pool lines to `/etc/ntp.conf` as appropriate:

```
server <remote-server>
```

Configure `ntp` to run as the `ntp` user by adding or editing the `/etc/init.d/ntp` file:

```
RUNASUSER=ntp
```

## Default Value

NTP restrict and server settings are not configured by default.

## References

- http://www.ntp.org
- CIS Controls: 6.1 Use At Least Two Synchronized Time Sources For All Servers And Network Equipment

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation