# Cis Ubuntu1804 V220 4 2 13

> Ensure sshd LogLevel is configured

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-4-2-13` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-4-2-13`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ubuntu1804-v220-4-2-13/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-ubuntu1804-v220-4-2-13

---


# CIS Ubuntu Linux 18.04 LTS Benchmark v2.2.0 - Control 4.2.13

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Description

SSH provides several logging levels with varying amounts of verbosity. `DEBUG` is specifically not recommended other than strictly for debugging SSH communications since it provides so much data that it is difficult to identify important security information.

## Rationale

SSH `LogLevel` should be set to `VERBOSE` or `INFO` level. This ensures login and logout activity, as well as key fingerprints, are logged. The `INFO` level outputs only minimal information, while `VERBOSE` provides additional SSH key information.

## Audit Procedure

### Command Line

Run the following command and verify the output:

```bash
sshd -T | grep -i loglevel
```

### Expected Result

```
loglevel VERBOSE
```

OR

```
loglevel INFO
```

## Remediation

### Command Line

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

```bash
LogLevel VERBOSE
```

## Default Value

LogLevel INFO

## References

1. NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5: AU-3, AU-12

## CIS Controls

v8 - 8.5 Collect Detailed Audit Logs - Configure detailed audit logging for enterprise assets containing sensitive data.

v7 - 6.2 Activate Audit Logging - Ensure that local logging has been enabled on all systems and networking devices.

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Server
- Level 1 - Workstation

## Assessment Status

Automated