How To Enable Or Disable SSH/Shell Access For Users In WHM?
Understanding Shell Access
Shell Access or SSH is a secure way to log into a server remotely. Using Shell access, users can manage their website using a command-line interface. This feature is powerful but usually limited to advanced users who need to run specific scripts or commands.
It gives a user the ability to move files and manage databases through text commands instead of a graphic interface. Most basic hosting plans disable this by default to maintain server security.
You can grant this permission to trusted developers or power users. It helps them work faster on complex website tasks.
Steps for Enabling SSH Access
You must enable this feature in two different places within your WHM dashboard. First you modify the account settings and then you update the feature list.
This double-check ensures that the user has both the permission and the tool available in their panel.
- Log in to WHM and click on the Modify an Account option.
- Select the specific account from the list and press the Modify button.
- Find the Shell Access checkbox and click it to enable the feature.
- Click the Save button and choose to update the package or keep it separate in the popup window.
- Go to the Packages section and open the Feature Manager tool.
- Pick the feature list used by that account and click the Edit button.
- Find SSH Access in the long list and ensure the box has a tick mark.
- Press the Save button at the bottom to finish the entire process.
How to Disable SSH Access
If a user no longer needs command-line access you should remove it to keep the server safe. This prevents any unauthorized commands from running on your machine.
The process is the same as enabling it but you will uncheck the options instead.
- Select the account in the Modify an Account section and click Modify.
- Uncheck the Shell Access box and click the Save button at the bottom.
- Go to Feature Manager and edit the list assigned to that user.
- Remove the tick from the SSH Access option and save your changes.
Cantech Security Features
Cantech provides secure SSH environments with advanced monitoring to protect your server data. We offer isolated shell environments that prevent users from seeing other accounts on the same machine.
Our technical team can help you set up SSH keys for extra login security. You get full control over your server resources with our high-speed hosting infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSH access dangerous for beginners?
Yes, a beginner can accidentally delete important files using the command line. It is better to keep this feature disabled for users who only need to upload files via FTP. You should only give access to people who understand Linux commands.
What are SSH keys?
SSH keys are a pair of digital files used for authentication instead of a password. They provide a much higher level of security for your server login. Users can manage these keys inside their cPanel once you enable shell access.
Can I give SSH access to just one user?
Yes you can modify a single account without changing the settings for everyone else. You simply choose the individual user in the Modify an Account section. This keeps your other hosting accounts restricted and secure.
Does disabling SSH stop the website from working?
No the website will continue to run normally after you disable shell access. The user only loses the ability to log in via the terminal or command prompt. Their cPanel and file manager will still work perfectly.
