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SSH

What is SSH?

Secure Shell, a cryptographic network protocol for secure remote login, command execution, and file transfer between computers over unsecured networks.

Information Security

Each of these is named in at least one of the same controls as ssh. The number is how many controls name both.

What the standards actually require on ssh

Requirements naming ssh across 6 standards, quoted from the control text.

If using remote access without the use of a password for SSH connections, the 'forced command' option is used to specify what command is executed and parameter checking is enabled.

ISM-0488 · If using remote access without the use of a password for SSH connections, the 'forced comm

Implement cryptography + protocol security + PKI per O-RAN WG11 Security Requirements covering TLS + SSH + IPsec + certificate lifecycle.

ORANWG11-3 · Cryptography, TLS, SSH, IPsec, and PKI Lifecycle Management
CIS Controls v82 controls

Securely manage network infrastructure. Example implementations include version-controlled-infrastructure-as-code, and the use of secure network protocols, such as SSH and HTTPS.

CIS-12.3 · Securely Manage Network Infrastructure

Deploy FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules (NIST CMVP) supporting ML-KEM + ML-DSA + SLH-DSA. Test against NIST CAVP (Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program) test vectors.

PQC-7 · FIPS Validated Modules, HSM Readiness, and Algorithm Validation
NIST SP 800-1232 controls

Apply Section 5.3 cryptography including: encryption of data at rest (AES-256 + FIPS 140-3 validated modules + full disk encryption + file-level encryption + database encryption) + data in transit (TLS 1.3 + IPsec + SSH 2.0 + S/MIME + PGP) + key management per...

NISTSP123-4 · Server Cryptography - Encryption, Key Management, Certificates

Questions people ask about ssh

What is SSH?
Secure Shell, a cryptographic network protocol for secure remote login, command execution, and file transfer between computers over unsecured networks.
Why is SSH important for compliance?
SSH is a key concept in Information Security. Understanding ssh helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, reduce risk, and demonstrate due diligence during audits. Our compliance platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings.
Which compliance frameworks address SSH?
SSH appears in the requirement text of Australian Information Security Manual, O-RAN WG11 Security Specification, CIS Controls v8, ITU-T X.805 - Security Architecture for End-to-End Communications, NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards (FIPS 203, 204, 205). Across these standards we have identified 14 controls that name it directly, each linked to the control text on the compliance platform.
Where can I learn more about SSH?
Explore our compliance framework pages to see how ssh applies across different standards and regulations. Our implementation guides provide step-by-step guidance, and the compliance platform offers AI-powered analysis of how this concept maps across 686 frameworks.

See how SSH applies across compliance frameworks

Our platform maps 686 frameworks with 311K cross-framework control mappings. Explore how this concept is addressed across standards.

Written and maintained by Gerard Blokdyk, The Art of Service.