Options In Enforcing Security In Cisco Routers

submitted: Jun 30th 2008 | by: ZacharySchuessler | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 347 | PDF View | Print Article

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 Cisco announced that one in particular, "Enable password," has become outdated and vulnerable to security risk.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.

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.

Much of the benefit from the enable secret command comes from protecting the running configuration from prying eyes. And as far as computer networking security goes, even the smallest bit of help in security goes a long way in network stability. And when companies and businesses depend on network stability for a source of income, lacking it could run a business and its services into the ground.

Closing Comments

Cisco routers aren't a safety hazard by any means, but updating to the latest IOS version and taking advantage of newer commands such as "Enable secret" is the best bet in keeping the computer network up and running for months to come without hassle. For further information, consult Cicso articles and other Internet resources to learn how to actually go about the process of using Enable secret.

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