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Enhancements in Release F.02.02
TACACS+ Authentication for Centralized Control of Switch Access Security
Using the Encryption Key
General Operation
When used, the encryption key (sometimes termed "key", "secret key", or "secret") helps to prevent
unauthorized intruders on the network from reading username and password information in
TACACS+ packets moving between the switch and a TACACS+ server. At the TACACS+ server, a key
may include both of the following:
■ Global key: A general key assignment in the TACACS+ server application that applies to all
TACACS-aware devices for which an individual key has not been configured.
■ Individual key: A unique key assignment in the TACACS+ server application that applies
to a specific TACACS-aware device.
Note
Configure a key in the switch only if the TACACS+ server application has this exact same key
configured for the switch. That is, if the key parameter in switch "X" does not exactly match the key
setting for switch "X" in the TACACS+ server application, then communication between the switch
and the TACACS+ server will fail and authentication results will be unpredictable.
Thus, on the TACACS+ server side, you have a choice as to how to implement a key. On the switch
side, it is necessary only to enter the key parameter so that it exactly matches its counterpart in the
server. For information on how to configure a general or individual key in the TACACS+ server, refer
to the documentation you received with the application.
Encryption Options in the Switch
When configured, the encryption key causes the switch to encrypt the TACACS+ packets it sends to
the server. When left at "null", the TACACS+ packets are sent in clear text. The encryption key (or
just "key") you configure in the switch must be identical to the encryption key configured in the
corresponding TACACS+ server. If the key is the same for all TACACS+ servers the switch will use
for authentication, then configure a global key in the switch. If the key is different for one or more
of these servers, use "per-server" keys in the switch. (If you configure both a global key and one or
more per-server keys, the per-server keys will override the global key for the specified servers.)