# Cis Ubuntu1204 V110 9 3 9

> Set SSH PermitEmptyPasswords to No

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-9` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-9`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-9/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-ubuntu1204-v110-9-3-9

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# 9.3.9 Set SSH PermitEmptyPasswords to No (Scored)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

The `PermitEmptyPasswords` parameter specifies if the server allows login to accounts with empty password strings.

## Rationale

Disallowing remote shell access to accounts that have an empty password reduces the probability of unauthorized access to the system.

## Audit Procedure

### Using Command Line

To verify the correct SSH setting, run the following command and verify that the output is as shown:

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

## Expected Result

```
PermitEmptyPasswords no
```

## Remediation

### Using Command Line

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

```bash
PermitEmptyPasswords no
```

## Default Value

PermitEmptyPasswords no

## References

- CIS Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Server Benchmark v1.1.0

## Profile

Level 1 - Scored