SSHepherd
Eliminate Open Ports.
Secure Remote Access Without Compromise.
Introduction
Modern organizations rely on remote administration to manage servers, cloud infrastructure, and critical applications. Traditional technologies such as VPNs, firewalls, and exposed SSH or RDP services continue to create attack surfaces that cybercriminals actively exploit.
SSHepherd® is a next-generation Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform that completely removes open listening ports while preserving full SSH, RDP, and application functionality for authorized users. Built for CISOs, security architects, IT managers, and infrastructure teams, SSHepherd helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity without disrupting operations.
As a trusted cybersecurity solutions provider in Malaysia, Astiostech enables organizations to deploy SSHepherd with confidence, delivering enterprise-grade Zero Trust access that is secure, compliant, and scalable.
Solution Overview
Organizations today face increasing risks from ransomware, credential theft, brute-force attacks, and unauthorized remote access. Even when protected by VPNs and firewalls, servers often require open ports for administration, leaving critical infrastructure visible to attackers.
SSHepherd eliminates this exposure through its patented inverse coupling architecture. Instead of accepting inbound connections, protected servers establish outbound encrypted connections to the SSHepherd Command & Control server over standard HTTPS (TCP 443). This allows organizations to:
- Eliminate exposed SSH and RDP ports.
- Make servers invisible to port scans.
- Prevent brute-force attacks before they begin.
- Maintain secure remote administration without changing administrator workflows.
- Strengthen Zero Trust security across on-premise and cloud environments.
Key Features & Capabilities
Attack Surface Elimination – Completely removes SSH, RDP, and application listening ports, making protected assets invisible to attackers.
Zero Trust Remote Access – Only authenticated and authorized users can establish secure encrypted sessions with protected systems.
Real-Time Session Monitoring – Monitor active SSH and RDP sessions, view user activity, and identify suspicious behavior in real time.
Session Recording & Audit Trails – Capture detailed logs, video recordings (RDP), and command history (SSH) to support compliance, investigations, and forensic analysis.
Immediate Session Termination – Terminate suspicious sessions instantly through manual intervention or automated SIEM integration.
Lightweight & Scalable Deployment – Deploy on-premises, private cloud, public cloud, or hybrid environments with minimal infrastructure overhead.
Compliance Ready – Supports organizations pursuing NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, CERT, GDPR, and Bank Negara Malaysia RMiT compliance initiatives.
Use Cases / Industries
SSHepherd is trusted by organizations where privileged access security is mission-critical.
- Financial Services – Secure privileged access to banking systems while supporting regulatory compliance, audit requirements, and Bank Negara Malaysia RMiT controls.
- Government & Public Sector – Protect critical infrastructure and sensitive government systems with Zero Trust remote access and comprehensive audit trails.
- Healthcare & Hospitals – Secure remote administration of clinical systems and medical infrastructure while safeguarding patient data and ensuring continuous availability.
- Manufacturing & Industrial Operations – Prevent unauthorized access to production systems, operational technology (OT), and critical industrial infrastructure.
- Cloud & Managed Service Providers (MSPs) – Deliver secure privileged access across customer environments without exposing SSH or RDP ports to the internet.
- Enterprises & Corporate IT – Secure remote administration for distributed teams across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid infrastructure.
- Data Centres & Hosting Providers – Protect servers and virtual infrastructure from brute-force attacks, lateral movement, and unauthorized remote access.
- Critical Infrastructure & Utilities – Safeguard essential services, including energy, telecommunications, and transportation systems, with resilient Zero Trust access controls.
Implementation Strategy by Astiostech
As your cybersecurity partner, Astiostech ensures successful SSHepherd deployment through a structured implementation approach.
- Security Assessment – Evaluate your existing remote access architecture and identify exposed attack surfaces.
- Architecture Design – Design an optimal SSHepherd deployment for your infrastructure.
- Deployment & Configuration – Install the Command & Control server, agents, and client software following security best practices.
- Policy & Identity Integration – Integrate with Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, MFA, SIEM, and existing security controls.
- Training & Ongoing Support – Equip your security teams with operational knowledge while providing continuous optimization and technical support.
Benefits to Businesses / Organisations
- Reduced Attack Surface – Eliminate exposed SSH and RDP services from the internet.
- Stronger Zero Trust Security – Authenticate every connection before access is granted.
- Improved Compliance – Support regulatory audits with detailed activity logs and immutable session records.
- Operational Efficiency – Secure remote administration without changing existing administrator workflows.
- Lower Cyber Risk – Reduce the likelihood of ransomware, credential attacks, lateral movement, and unauthorized access.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure – Protect on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments with one consistent security model.
Protect your infrastructure by eliminating exposed attack surfaces instead of simply defending them.
SSHepherd® provides a modern Zero Trust Network Access platform that keeps your servers invisible to attackers while maintaining secure, seamless access for authorized users.
