Filter
Top Products
2-7
Configuring Username and Password Security
Front-Panel Security
Front-Panel Security
The front-panel security features provide the ability to independently enable
or disable some of the functions of the two buttons located on the front of the
switch for clearing the password (Clear button) or restoring the switch to its
factory default configuration (Reset+Clear buttons together). The ability to
disable Password Recovery is also provided for situations which require a
higher level of switch security.
The front-panel Security features are designed to prevent malicious users
from:
■ Resetting the password(s) by pressing the Clear button
■ Restoring the factory default configuration by using the Reset+Clear
button combination.
■ Gaining management access to the switch by having physical access to
the switch itself
When Security Is Important
Some customers require a high level of security for information. Also, the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996 requires
that systems handling and transmitting confidential medical records must be
secure.
It used to be assumed that only system and network administrators would be
able to get access to a network switch because switches were typically placed
in secure locations under lock and key. For some customers this is no longer
true. Others simply want the added assurance that even if someone did
manage to get to the switch that data would still remain secure.
If you do not invoke front-panel security on the switch, user-defined pass-
words can be deleted by pushing the Clear button on the front panel. This
function exists so that if customers forget the defined passwords they can still
get back into the switch and reset the passwords. This does, however, leave
the switch vulnerable when it is located in an area where non-authorized
people have access to it. Passwords could easily be cleared by pressing the
Clear button. Someone who has physical access to the switch may be able to
erase the passwords (and possibly configure new passwords) and take control
of the switch.