OpenSSH 5.6 Released into the Wild
The secure communication solution gets an upgrade.
OpenSSH or OpenBSD Secure Shell got an update to 5.6. The project features a slew of new features and bug fixes, but maintains compatibility with SSH protocol 1.3, 1.5, and 2.0.
New to 5.6 is a ControlPersist option to ssh_config, which automatically launches a background ssh multiplex master during connection. SSH now logs hostname and address concted to LogLevel=verbose after a successful authentication. This is done to manage phishing attacks by servers with trusted keys that accept authentication silently and automatically before presenting falsified password/passphrase prompts.
5.6 also allows ssh-keygent to import and export PEM and PKCS#8 keys. Debug messages can be queued, and remote forwarding with dynamic port allocation. SSHd now supports indirection in matching principal names listed in certificates.
For a full list of new features and bug fixes, visit www.openssh.com/txt/release-5.6.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.