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How to create a sudo user on Ubuntu VPS

Creating a sudo user is one of the recommended first steps when setting up an Ubuntu VPS. This avoids always working as root and keeps administrative tasks associated with an identifiable account.

1. Create the user​

Replace administrator with the desired name:

adduser administrador

Set a strong password. The remaining fields are optional.

2. Add to sudo group​

usermod -aG sudo administrador
groups administrador

The output must include sudo.

3. Test permission​

su - administrador
sudo whoami

After entering the password, the expected result is:

root

4. Test a new SSH connection​

In another terminal:

ssh administrador@IP_DA_VPS

Keep the root session open until you confirm that login and sudo work.

5. Set up an SSH key​

On your computer:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

On Linux or macOS, send the key with:

ssh-copy-id administrador@IP_DA_VPS

If ssh-copy-id is not available, copy the public key. On the VPS, logged in as the new user:

mkdir -p ~/.ssh
chmod 700 ~/.ssh
nano ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

Paste the public key into a single line and test a new connection.

6. Optional: Disable root login​

Do this only after testing the new user and key.

sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config.d/99-nicehosting-security.conf

Add:

PermitRootLogin no

Validate and recharge:

sudo sshd -t
sudo systemctl reload ssh

Do not close the current session before testing another connection.

How to remove sudo​

sudo deluser administrador sudo

This does not delete the account or its files.

Frequently asked questions​

What is the difference between root and sudo?​

Root has full control at all times. With sudo, the user elevates permission to only one administrative command.

Can I create more than one sudo user?​

Yes. Separate accounts for each administrator improve organization and prevent password sharing.

Is it safe to disable root login?​

Yes, as long as another user with sudo and SSH has been tested. Incorrect configuration may block remote access.

What are the other initial settings?​

See Getting Started on a Linux Ubuntu VPS.

If you need help, open a ticket with Nice Hosting support.