OpenSSH /etc/ssh/ssh_import_id

Authentic ๐Ÿ“‹ Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) 5 lines

Compatibility

Currently viewing:
Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa)
Also compatible:
Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy Jellyfish) Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat)
Different versions:

File Info

Size
5 lines
MD5
8bfa390040fbeeae70bec14f2dccaf11
SHA256
88861afb27d23fd9655eefc5458db1744371de8fdb07c914d106390f24683dda

Quick Commands

curl:
curl https://exampleconfig.com/api/v1/config/original/8bfa390040fbeeae70bec14f2dccaf11?hint=ssh_import_id
wget:
wget -O ssh_import_id https://exampleconfig.com/api/v1/config/original/8bfa390040fbeeae70bec14f2dccaf11?hint=ssh_import_id
/etc/ssh/ssh_import_id
{
   "_comment_": "This file is JSON syntax and will be loaded by ssh-import-id to obtain the URL string, which defaults to launchpad.net.  The following URL *must* be an https address with a valid, signed certificate!!!  %s is the variable that will be filled by the ssh-import-id utility.",
   "URL": "https://launchpad.net/~%s/+sshkeys"
}

How to Install OpenSSH

Alpine Linux

sudo apk add openssh-server

Debian

sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

sudo yum install openssh-server

Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt install openssh-server

Configuration File Location

File Path
/etc/ssh/ssh_import_id
Directory
/etc/ssh/
Significance
System-wide configuration directory
Description
Files in /etc/ contain system-wide configuration settings that affect all users.

Complete OpenSSH Configuration Guide

What is ssh_import_id?
Get the original 'ssh_import_id' (sshd_config) configuration file from a fresh OpenSSH installation on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa). This is the factory-default SSH server configuration, crucial for security hardening, remote access troubleshooting, and understanding baseline security settings.
Technical Details
Located at '/etc/ssh/ssh_import_id', this 5-line file controls authentication methods, encryption algorithms, key exchange protocols, and access controls. Secures millions of servers worldwide and is the foundation for secure remote administration, file transfers, and automated deployments.
Common Configuration Question
How do you configure OpenSSH for maximum security, key-based authentication, and compliance on Ubuntu 20.04?
Why Use This Configuration?
This default configuration includes modern cipher suites, authentication controls, and security best practices. Essential for security professionals, system administrators, and DevOps engineers managing secure remote access to production systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use this ssh_import_id file?

Use this original configuration file when you need to restore OpenSSH to its default state after misconfiguration, during fresh installations, or as a baseline for customization. It's particularly useful for troubleshooting when your current config isn't working properly.

How do I restore OpenSSH to default settings?

Download this file and replace your current configuration at /etc/ssh/ssh_import_id. Make sure to backup your existing configuration first, then restart the OpenSSH service to apply the changes.

Is this ssh_import_id file secure for production use?

This is the factory-default configuration that ships with OpenSSH on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa). While it provides a secure baseline, you should review and customize security settings based on your specific production requirements and compliance needs.

What's the difference between this and other OS versions?

This configuration is specifically from Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa). Different operating systems and versions may have slightly different default settings, security patches, or feature availability. Check the compatibility section above for other OS versions.

Can I use this configuration file for OpenSSH troubleshooting?

Yes, this original configuration is excellent for troubleshooting. Compare it with your current settings to identify modifications that might be causing issues, or temporarily replace your config with this one to isolate problems.