# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.5 Ensure SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less

> Verify SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less to limit brute force attack risk

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-5-ensure-ssh-maxauthtries-is-set-to` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-5-ensure-ssh-maxauthtries-is-set-to`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-5-ensure-ssh-maxauthtries-is-set-to/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- 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-5-2-5-ensure-ssh-maxauthtries-is-set-to

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# 5.2.5 Ensure SSH MaxAuthTries is set to 4 or less (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## 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 `syslog` file 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
grep "^MaxAuthTries" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
MaxAuthTries 4
```

## Remediation

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

```
MaxAuthTries 4
```

## Default Value

MaxAuthTries 6

## References

- CIS Controls: 16 - Account Monitoring and Control

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation