repeated ssh login attempts/failure/break-in attempts from kiddy script

[Nathan Vidican]

Noted recently in auth.log, a string of connection attempts repeated/failed over 
and over from one host - looks like a script someone's running, tries all kinds 
of various usernames, etc... attempts like 100-200 logins, fails and goes away.

Few hours go by, and another such attempt, from a different IP comes in. If I'm 
here and just happen to notice them - simple ipfw add deny... does the trick, 
but is there not a way to limit the login attempts for a certain period of time?

ie: after 4 failed attempts from IP _BLANK_ in less than _BLANK_ minutes, deny 
all attempts and drop connection from said IP... possible?

Any suggestions/ideas? Thus far, no one has managed to login (there are only 
three accounts which even have a shell or can login via ssh... but still not the 
point). I'd just like to get rid of the problem and save my auth.log file for 
perhaps something more useful ;)


-- 
Nathan Vidican
nvidican at wmptl.com
Windsor Match Plate & Tool Ltd.
http://www.wmptl.com/