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Faruk

Posted on • Originally published at Medium

Why I Always Set a Login Banner on Linux Servers (and What I Put in It) | by Faruk Ahmed | Sep, 2025

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Why I Always Set a Login Banner on Linux Servers (and What I Put in It)

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Most admins skip the login banner. It feels cosmetic — just text before the login prompt. But in reality, it’s one of the most underestimated security controls I use on my Linux servers.

Here’s why I always enable it, what I include in it, and how it helps both security and compliance.

🚨 Why a Login Banner Matters

  • Legal Warning A banner makes it crystal clear: “Unauthorized access is prohibited.” This helps protect you legally if your system is breached.
  • Deters Casual Attackers Automated bots won’t care — but opportunistic attackers often move on when they see a monitored system.
  • Compliance Requirement CIS Benchmarks, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and government systems all require banners.
  • User Accountability Even legit users are reminded that activity is logged and monitored.

🛠 Step 1: Set the Message

Edit /etc/issue for pre-login banners:
/etc/issue

vi /etc/issue
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Example:

WARNING: This system is for authorized use only. All activities are monitored and logged. Unauthorized access will be prosecuted.
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👉 Read Full Blog on Medium Here

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