Options In Enforcing Security In Cisco Routers

by: ZacharySchuessler
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Word Count: 357

A network administrator has a tough job to complete. After all, they are responsible for the very security of the network they are supposedly administrating. This is a very tough job, with so many threats and vulnerabilities out to date. This is especially true with router configuration, where threats need to be neutralized.

The outdated version of the password protection routines is the enable password command. Enable password puts a password on the privileged mode of the Cisco router, although there are some large flaws with this command. First and foremost, the command is stored as clear text, which is a phrase that describes a password stored without encryption.

A computer network is best secured on the router side of things with encryption. Cisco realized this, and released the "Enable Secret" command in an IOS update. Enable secret allows network administrators to get their network using encryption and running great without fear of hackers finding the password out and causing a world of hurt on the computer network in question.

For anyone running an IOS version below 10.3, the enable secret command will not be available. Thus, it is extremely important that all Cisco router users update to the latest IOS if it hasn't been done so already. By default, newer IOS versions will use enable secret over enable password- which is obviously the better choice in the matter.

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.

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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