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Options In Enforcing Security In Cisco Routers

by: ZacharySchuessler
Total views: 9 | Word Count: 366

Getting the most out of router security is important for securing one's network. It helps keep a networking running smoothly and without problem. Computer network technicians will do good to remember two commands in particular: enable secret and enable password.

There are a total of five different commands that can be used in regards to the different passwords that can be secured. The first to review is the command "Enable password." This command is an outdated form, although it is still in use among older routers and with those who haven't upgraded their IOS. Enable password in particular is flawed because it uses no encryption to store the password in question.

An updated version of the previous command is "Enable secret," which Cisco released for using encryption on the passwords. The difference can be seen in the running configuration of the router, most notably where the password is now stored in random letters and numbers instead of showing the actual password. This is an important step in securing a router against prying eyes.

Gaining access to a Cisco router's running configuration is easy. Use the running configuration command to bring up the currently stored settings of the router. If both enable password and enable secret were used, administrators can see that enable password is readable for all to see! The enable secret password that comes after it is unreadable, as it is stored as an MD5 encrypted text.

The enable secret command is the better password handling command, although enable password is still able to be used. Cisco router operating systems before version 10.3, the enable password is the only command that is able to be used. In such a case, it's important for computer network technicians to upgrade to the latest IOS version for better security.

In Conclusion

Network security is a big industry. Regardless of the thousands of dollars businesses use to propel their business, the smallest of commands such as enable secret and enable password will do a world of good for the network as a whole. Be sure to read more on the subject in Cisco documentation and online networking resources to get the full effect on how to use, maintain, and prepare Cisco routers for security topics.

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Learn more about cisco router password and cisco password  

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