OpenSSH (Open Secure Shell) is a widely used suite of secure networking utilities that provides encrypted communication over an unsecured network. It enables secure remote login, file transfers, and command execution, making it an essential tool for system administrators and developers managing Linux-based servers.
But despite OpenSSH’s continuous updates and security improvements, many hosting companies don’t adopt the latest versions immediately. Why is that the case?
What is OpenSSH Used For?
OpenSSH is primarily used for:
- 🔐 Secure remote access to servers via SSH
- 📁 SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)
- 🛡️ Port forwarding and tunneling
- 🧰 Key management and authentication
It is considered the gold standard for secure server access, especially in the Linux ecosystem.
Why OpenSSH Updates Matter
The OpenSSH team regularly releases updates that include:
- Security patches
- Performance improvements
- New features or deprecations
- Bug fixes
Staying current is generally recommended in any software stack—especially with security-related tools like OpenSSH. So why would hosting providers delay upgrading?
Why Hosting Companies Often Don’t Use the Latest OpenSSH Version
1. Stability and Compatibility Matter More Than Bleeding Edge
Hosting companies prioritize stability. When a new version of OpenSSH is released, it may introduce unexpected bugs, incompatibilities, or deprecated features that can affect clients’ systems. Providers often wait for the version to mature and be tested in real-world conditions before rolling it out.
2. Dependency on Operating System Packages
Most hosting companies use Linux distributions like CentOS, AlmaLinux, Ubuntu LTS, or Debian, which package OpenSSH through their repositories. These distros lock in certain versions of OpenSSH to maintain long-term support and system integrity.
For example:
- Ubuntu 20.04 LTS ships with OpenSSH 8.2p1
- CentOS 7 still uses OpenSSH 7.4
Backports may include security patches, but the version number might not reflect the newest release.
3. Risk of Breaking Client Workflows
Some clients rely on very specific OpenSSH features or compatibility modes. Updating to the latest version can disable deprecated protocols or authentication methods, breaking tools, scripts, or connections.
For instance:
- Newer OpenSSH versions have disabled ssh-rsa by default due to SHA-1 vulnerabilities.
- Legacy systems and IoT devices might not support newer encryption algorithms.
Hosting providers often take a conservative approach to avoid disrupting customers.
4. Internal Testing & Compliance Delays
Before deploying a major update like OpenSSH, hosting companies typically perform:
- Internal regression testing
- Security audits
- Configuration compatibility checks
For companies under regulatory frameworks (like PCI-DSS or HIPAA), these updates go through change control processes, which take time.
5. Managed Hosting vs. DIY Servers
In managed hosting environments, the hosting provider is responsible for ensuring server uptime and service continuity. In this case, caution trumps cutting-edge. In contrast, developers managing their own VPS or bare-metal servers might opt to manually compile and install the latest version for new features or compliance.
Is Using an Older OpenSSH Version Unsafe?
Not necessarily. Most Linux distributions backport security patches to older OpenSSH versions, meaning that while the version number might not be the latest, the software still receives critical fixes.
However, using a version that’s no longer maintained by the OS vendor or OpenSSH team can open the door to potential vulnerabilities.
What Should You Do as a Server Owner?
🔹 Use a reputable hosting company that regularly applies security patches—even if it doesn’t offer the absolute latest OpenSSH version.
🔹 Enable key-based authentication instead of passwords for enhanced security.
🔹 Stay informed on OpenSSH changes, especially if your applications rely on specific SSH features or keys.
🔹 For advanced users: consider manually installing newer versions of OpenSSH if your distro supports it (with caution).
Final Thoughts
OpenSSH is a critical tool for secure server communication, and while it evolves quickly, hosting providers move cautiously for good reason. They focus on stability, compatibility, and security for the majority of users rather than adopting every new release the moment it’s available.
⚙️ If you host with a provider like Crossmedia, rest assured we balance security and stability—keeping OpenSSH patched and hardened, even if we’re not always running the very latest version. It’s about smart hosting, not just fast upgrades.
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