SSH server fails to start on AWS EC2 instance

Platform Notice: Data Center Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the Data Center platform.

Note that this KB was created for the Data Center version of the product. Data Center KBs for non-Data-Center-specific features may also work for Server versions of the product, however they have not been tested. Support for Server* products ended on February 15th 2024. If you are running a Server product, you can visit the Atlassian Server end of support announcement to review your migration options.

*Except Fisheye and Crucible

Symptoms

The following appears in the atlassian-bitbucket.log:

1 2 3 java.lang.NoClassDefFoundError: Could not initialize class javax.crypto.JceSecurity ... ... 195 frames trimmed

Cause

Amazon doesn't provide a full version of Java: Oracle Corporation Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM 1.7.0_51-b13

Workaround

Install the Java Cryptography Extension (JCE) Unlimited Strength Jurisdiction Policy Files 7 package:

Resolution

Install a supported version of Java. Find the latest information on our Supported platforms page.

Updated on April 8, 2025

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