Linux – Changing SSH Port: Should I modify only sshd_config, or also ssh_config

configurationlinuxssh

I would like to change my SSH port running Linux CentOS 6.

From what I've read on forums, people recommend changing my /etc/ssh/sshd_config file to use a different port number, then restarting the SSHD service.

I also noticed there's an ssh_config file along with sshd_config. What's the difference between the two? Should I change both?

Best Answer

The sshd_config is the ssh daemon (or ssh server process) configuration file. As you've already stated, this is the file you'll need to modify to change the server port.

Whereas, the ssh_config file is the ssh client configuration file. The client configuration file only has bearing on when you use the ssh command to connect to another ssh host. So, in this case, you don't need to modify it. It will be other client machines connecting to your server.