How do I run OpenSSH over the Tor network?

Install and configure Tor to create a hidden service on port 22. Then bind OpenSSH to 127.0.0.1 and restart the Tor and SSH services. You can then connect via the generated .onion hostname.

What do I add to the torrc file to enable SSH as a hidden service?

Add the following lines: HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/ssh/ and HiddenServicePort 22 127.0.0.1:22

Where do I find the Tor hidden service address for SSH?

The hidden service address is stored in the /var/lib/tor/ssh/hostname file.

Does using Tor for SSH impact performance?

Yes, using Tor introduces additional latency due to its routing mechanisms. It's a trade-off for added privacy and anonymity.

Can I access the SSH server without knowing the public IP if I use Tor?

Yes, by using the .onion address generated by Tor, the server's public IP remains hidden.

HiddenSSH - Secure OpenSSH Hardening

Onion Network/Tor

Running OpenSSH over Tor can provide an extra layer of anonymity to your SSH connections. Here are the steps you can follow:

Install Tor: You need to have Tor installed on your system in order to use it to connect to the Tor network. You can download and install Tor from the official website.
Configure Tor: Once you have Tor installed, you need to configure it to allow SSH connections. To do this, edit the Tor configuration file (/etc/tor/torrc) and add the following lines:

HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/ssh/
HiddenServicePort 22 127.0.0.1:22

Restart Tor: After editing the Tor configuration file, you need to restart the Tor service so that it can load the new configuration. You can do this by running the following command:

systemctl restart tor.service

Retrieve the hidden service address: Once Tor is up and running, it will generate a hidden service address for your SSH server. You can retrieve this address by running the following command:

sudo cat /var/lib/tor/ssh/hostname

Configure OpenSSH: Finally, you need to configure OpenSSH to use the Tor hidden service address. To do this, edit the SSH configuration file (/etc/ssh/sshd_config) and add the following lines:


ListenAddress 127.0.0.1
ListenAddress [Tor hidden service address]:22
      Restart OpenSSH: After editing the SSH configuration file, you need to restart the OpenSSH service so that it can load the new configuration. You can do this by running the following command:
      
        sudo systemctl restart sshd.service


    That's it! Now you should be able to connect to your SSH server over the Tor network by using the Tor hidden service address instead of the IP address. 
    
Keep in mind that using Tor introduces some latency and affect performance, so it's not recommended for high-bandwidth or low-latency applications.