8
Enforcing Switch Security
Switch Management Access Security
Enforcing Switch Security
ProCurve switches are designed as “plug and play” devices, allowing quick and easy installation in
your network. However, when preparing the switch for network operation, ProCurve strongly
recommends that you enforce a security policy to help ensure that the ease in getting started is not
used by unauthorized persons as an opportunity for access and possible malicious actions. Since
security incidents can originate with sources inside as well as outside of an organization, your switch
and network access security provisions must protect against internal and external threats while
preserving the necessary network access for authorized clients and uses.
This section provides an overview of switch management and network access security features and
applications. However, the features and applications supported by your switch depend on your
particular switch model. For information on specific features supported, refer to the software
manuals provided for your switch model.
Caution:
In its default configuration, the switch is open to unauthorized access of various types. ProCurve
recommends that you review this section to help ensure that you recognize the potential for
unauthorized switch and network access and are aware of the features available to help prevent such
access.
Switch Management Access Security
This section outlines provisions for protecting access to the switch’s status information configuration
settings. For more detailed information on these features, refer to the indicated manuals.
Default Settings Affecting Security
In the default configuration, switch management access is available through the following methods:
■ Telnet
■ Web-browser interface (including the ability to launch Telnet access)
■ SNMP access
■ Front-Panel access (serial port access to the console, plus resets and clearing the
password(s) or current configuration)