Take the tour ×  How do I disable remote root login via ssh?  I
want to log into my server (I use keys on my main comp) then su
into root instead of access root directly.  I am using Debian. I
follow guides online which say add PermitRootLogin no to the
file and another mention Protocol 2. Then reset ssh.
/etc/init.d/ssh restart. I did this and it did not work. I was
able to log into root using putty.  How do I disable remote root
login on Debian?  share|improve this question While you're at
it, by the way, I suggest setting PasswordAuthentication no and
ChallengeResponseAuthentication no, so that keys are required.
–  mattdm Mar 9 '11 at 0:35 And you can also set AllowUsers
acidzombie, so that only that account can log in. –  mattdm Mar
9 '11 at 0:39 @mattdm: Why require keys? I rather not have keys
as if someone grabs my computer or somehow gets access to my
private keys he could log in. I just have keys going into my
account (which really is the same password as root but i type
less) then su into it –  aci