# CIS Ubuntu 14.04 LTS - 5.2.6 Ensure SSH IgnoreRhosts is enabled

> Verify SSH IgnoreRhosts is set to yes to prevent .rhosts-based authentication

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-6-ensure-ssh-ignorerhosts-is-enable` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-6-ensure-ssh-ignorerhosts-is-enable`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu-14-04-lts-5-2-6-ensure-ssh-ignorerhosts-is-enable/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-5-2-6-ensure-ssh-ignorerhosts-is-enable

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# 5.2.6 Ensure SSH IgnoreRhosts is enabled (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

The `IgnoreRhosts` parameter specifies that `.rhosts` and `.shosts` files will not be used in `RhostsRSAAuthentication` or `HostbasedAuthentication`.

## Rationale

Setting this parameter forces users to enter a password when authenticating with ssh.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify that output matches:

```bash
grep "^IgnoreRhosts" /etc/ssh/sshd_config
```

## Expected Result

```
IgnoreRhosts yes
```

## Remediation

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

```
IgnoreRhosts yes
```

## Default Value

IgnoreRhosts yes

## References

- CIS Controls: 9 - Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services

## Profile

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation