How To Change SSH Port On Ubuntu VPS Server

SSH is one of the most targeted services on Linux VPS servers.

By default,
SSH runs on:

Port 22

Hackers and automated bots constantly scan the internet searching for servers using the default SSH port.

Changing the SSH port helps:

• reduce automated attacks
• improve VPS security
• minimize brute-force attempts
• harden server infrastructure

In this guide,
you will learn how to safely change the SSH port on an Ubuntu VPS server step-by-step.

Why Change The Default SSH Port?

Changing the default SSH port provides:

• reduced automated attack attempts
• improved security
• lower bot scanning activity
• additional VPS hardening

Although changing the port alone is not complete security,
it significantly reduces common attack traffic.

Important Warning Before Starting

Before changing SSH port:

• ensure firewall access is configured
• keep current SSH session open
• avoid disconnecting during setup

Incorrect configuration may:

lock you out of your VPS server

Always test the new port before closing your existing session.

Prerequisites

Before starting,
ensure you have:

• Ubuntu VPS server
• root or sudo access
• SSH access enabled

Recommended operating system:

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Step 1 — Connect To VPS Server

Connect using existing SSH connection.

Command:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Example:

ssh root@192.168.1.10

Step 2 — Open SSH Configuration File

Open SSH configuration file.

Command:

nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config

Step 3 — Locate Default SSH Port

Find:

#Port 22

or:

Port 22

Step 4 — Change SSH Port

Replace:

22

with a custom port.

Example:

Port 2222

You can use:

• 2222
• 2200
• 2022
• other unused secure ports

Avoid commonly used ports.

Step 5 — Save Configuration File

Save changes and exit editor.

For Nano editor:

• press CTRL + X
• press Y
• press ENTER

Step 6 — Configure Firewall Rules

Allow new SSH port through firewall.

Example:

ufw allow 2222/tcp

Reload firewall:

ufw reload

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT remove old SSH port yet.

Step 7 — Restart SSH Service

Restart SSH service.

Command:

systemctl restart ssh

or:

systemctl restart sshd

depending on Ubuntu version.

Step 8 — Test New SSH Port

Open a NEW terminal window.

Test connection using new port.

Command:

ssh -p 2222 root@your-server-ip

Example:

ssh -p 2222 root@192.168.1.10

If login works successfully,
the new SSH port is configured correctly.

Step 9 — Remove Old SSH Port Rule

After confirming new SSH connection works,
remove old port access.

Command:

ufw delete allow 22/tcp

Reload firewall:

ufw reload

Important SSH Security Recommendations

For stronger VPS security:

• use SSH keys
• disable root login
• install Fail2Ban
• configure firewall
• use strong passwords
• enable monitoring

Changing SSH port should be part of layered security.

Important SSH Commands

Restart SSH Service

systemctl restart ssh

Check SSH Status

systemctl status ssh

Test SSH Configuration

sshd -t

Check Open Ports

netstat -tulpn

Common SSH Port Errors

Connection Refused

Possible causes:

• firewall blocking port
• SSH service not restarted
• incorrect SSH configuration

SSH Service Failed To Restart

Test configuration syntax:

sshd -t

Fix configuration errors before restarting service.

Port Already In Use

Check active ports:

netstat -tulpn

Choose another unused port.

Why Businesses Secure SSH Access

Businesses secure SSH because it protects:

• cloud infrastructure
• sensitive business data
• production servers
• SaaS applications
• enterprise environments

SSH hardening is critical for infrastructure security.

Why Choose DJ Technologies VPS Hosting

DJ Technologies Linux VPS hosting provides:

• enterprise virtualization
• advanced infrastructure security
• premium low latency network
• NVMe SSD infrastructure
• scalable cloud resources
• optimized VPS environments
• DDoS protection
• 24×7 technical support

Our VPS infrastructure is optimized for:

• secure Linux hosting
• enterprise workloads
• business applications
• SaaS infrastructure
• scalable cloud deployments

Final Thoughts

Changing the default SSH port is one of the easiest ways to improve Linux VPS security.

By properly configuring:

• custom SSH ports
• firewall rules
• SSH hardening
• authentication security

you can significantly reduce:

• automated attacks
• brute-force attempts
• unauthorized access risks
• server vulnerabilities.