On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 5:51 PM, <rrichard at blythe.org> wrote: > > > >> Introducing a Hawk helped us a lot. Tools like Hawk and > fail2ban are quite >> useful, actually only thinks like that have > good impact on the bruteforce >> attempts. > > Indeed! I run > Fail2Ban not only against SSH, but against SMTP/AUTH and IMAPS/POP3S (the > only client mail protocols we support). It's amazing how many dictionary > attacks take place against SMTP by persistent spamers! Besides the effect > against dictionary attacks, it makes the morning reading of the secure log > a pleasant experience. :-) > > However, moving to a non-standard > SSH port has had a profound effect on the attempts. It's a triple whammy > for the script kiddies. Find the port if you can, then you get 5 tries at > a non-existent username/password before your packets get dropped on the > floor, and you are totally blocked from the entire system for an hour. > > Bob > > fail2ban work very well against SSH, SMTP, POP3, FTP, etc, etc. Another useful tool is Config Server Firewall, which offers DDOS protection, and can be configured to email you when someone was blocked for bruteforce attempts. OR, you can use Port Knocking - which is a iptables script which monitors 2 or 3 ports, when telnetted to in a pre-configured sequence will open the SSH port in the firewall. This also works very well -- Kind Regards Rudi Ahlers SoftDux Website: http://www.SoftDux.com Technical Blog: http://Blog.SoftDux.com Office: 087 805 9573 Cell: 082 554 7532