Enhancing SSH Security with Command Restriction in IBM Security Verify Privilege

Did you know that IBM Security Verify Privilege (ISVP) provides powerful SSH proxy capabilities combined with granular command restrictions? Beyond secure credential injection and full keystroke logging, ISVP allows administrators to control exactly which commands users can execute during an SSH session.

When SSH access flows through the ISVP proxy, every command is inspected in real time. This enables organizations to enforce strict security policies without limiting the usability of the environment. Whether the goal is to prevent risky administrative actions or to restrict sensitive nodes to read-only operations, ISVP makes it easy to implement.

Through the Settings section of the ISVP interface, administrators can configure SSH command restriction rules. You can choose to build a whitelist that defines which commands are allowed or a blocklist that specifies which commands are prohibited. This flexibility ensures that command policies match operational requirements while maintaining tight security.

An additional strength of this feature is the ability to apply restrictions based on secret permissions. For example, users with the Owner role can be granted unrestricted command execution, giving them full access for administrative tasks. Meanwhile, users with the Viewer role can be restricted through a predefined command policy, ensuring they are limited to safe, compliant operations during their SSH sessions.

This role-based control creates a fine balance between security and practicality. High-privilege users can work freely, while lower-privilege users operate within boundaries that protect the environment from accidental or intentional misuse.

With ISVP’s SSH proxy and command restriction features, organizations gain a robust layer of control over their privileged sessions. It is an effective way to reduce risk, enforce compliance, and maintain full visibility into user actions. I will add visuals next to demonstrate how the configuration looks within the ISVP interface.