What is the recommended approach for securely accessing a Cloudflare-protected server via SSH?

The most secure approach is to use SSH keys instead of passwords. SSH keys are far more resistant to brute-force attacks. Additionally, consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for SSH. Ensure your server has the latest security patches applied. Use strong passwords if SSH keys are not an option, and regularly rotate your SSH keys. Finally, monitor your SSH logs for suspicious activity.