sshguard
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Description:
Protect from brute force attacks against SSH
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Security
Tags: security firewall ssh intrusion-prevention daemon
Install: brew install sshguard
About:
Sshguard is a daemon that monitors log files for malicious activity, such as repeated failed login attempts, and dynamically blocks attackers using the system's firewall. It provides a robust first line of defense by preventing brute-force attacks against network services like SSH. This proactive protection enhances server security without requiring manual intervention.
Key Features:
  • Monitors system logs for attack signatures
  • Integrates with native firewalls (PF, iptables, ipfw)
  • Supports a wide range of services and log formats
  • Configurable attack thresholds and blocking durations
Use Cases:
  • Securing public-facing SSH servers from brute-force attacks
  • Protecting other network services like FTP, SMTP, and SIP
  • Automating intrusion prevention on Linux, BSD, and macOS systems
Alternatives:
  • Fail2Ban – More widely known with extensive plugin support, while Sshguard is lighter and written in C.
  • CrowdSec – A modern, collaborative alternative that shares threat intelligence across a community network.
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 15, 2025 11:48am 0 VERSION_BUMP 506029cf
Sep 13, 2024 3:55am 0 VERSION_BUMP 736f2222