---
title: "Correct SSH Directory Permissions"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10744071190/Correct%20SSH%20Directory%20Permissions"
format: markdown
---
Students, faculty and staff can correct SSH directory permissions on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. 

## Understanding the Error

Users trying to set up Public-Key Authentication may see the following error in the logs:

```
Authentication refused: bad ownership or modes for directory
```

This issue is related to permissions and/or ownership. The following commands on the user account you are trying to set up should fix the problem:

- `chmod go-w ~/`
- `chmod 700 ~/.ssh`
- `chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys`

If the commands above do not work, try to run the commands listed below:

- `denyhosts`
- `pam system-auth config `
- `your sshd_config`

## Related Articles

> Macro (contentbylabel)

> Macro (details)