root is Linux’s superuser: no permission checks apply to it. Server-wide administration — managing services, reading all logs, editing firewall rules — requires root or sudo rights.
Because root can do anything, it is both essential and dangerous: monitoring a whole multi-account server (every site’s logs, every user’s processes) needs root, while attackers who gain root own the machine completely. Guard it with keys, strong passwords and a firewall.
Frequently asked questions
Why does server-wide monitoring need root?
Per-account logs, mail logs and other users’ processes are unreadable to normal users by design. Only root sees the whole picture across all hosting accounts.
Should I disable direct root SSH login?
Many guides recommend logging in as a user and elevating with sudo. Whatever you choose, key-only authentication matters more than the username.