Can I connect to a CIS Linux Hardened Image with a password upon initial connection?
Product Name
CIS Hardened Images® (AWS)
Product Version
All
Date
Apr 24, 2025
Problem
What are the initial connection requirements for CIS Linux Hardened Images?
Solution
The CIS Linux Hardened Images are configured to comply with the CIS Benchmark guidelines, which enforce strict security measures by default. Specifically, the image disables password-based SSH authentication and does not set a default password for the ec2-user account.
This means:
Initial SSH access requires an SSH key pair, and password login is not permitted (
PasswordAuthentication noinsshd_config).There are no default credentials set for
ec2-useror any other user on the system.
Keywords; SSH Linux Password HI Hardened Image Connect
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