How To Maintain Security Among Routers

by: ZacharySchuessler
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Word Count: 362

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 several commands in which are used to secure a router in terms of passwords. Cisco announced that one in particular, "Enable password," has become outdated and vulnerable to security risk. This is because the command uses no encryption to store passwords, and this can lead to hackers finding passwords out and retrieving them with ease.

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.

In the end, network administrators will receive much benefit from shielding the running configuration of a Cisco router from hackers and other malicious users. Even small bits of help here and there in network security can mean a large difference in how the network maintains itself in the long run, so be sure to upgrade to the latest IOS and make use of the new password command Cisco offers.

Final Thoughts

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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