diff --git a/packages/network/dropbear/init.d/52_sshd b/packages/network/dropbear/init.d/52_sshd
index b0f5cbd68e..2a748a3f22 100755
--- a/packages/network/dropbear/init.d/52_sshd
+++ b/packages/network/dropbear/init.d/52_sshd
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ if test "$OE_START_SSHSERVER" = "yes" \
     fi
 
   mkdir -p /var/log
-  /usr/sbin/dropbear -b /etc/issue -P /var/run/dropbear.pid
+  /usr/sbin/dropbear -b /etc/issue -P /var/run/dropbear.pid &
 fi
 
 exit 0