Tips For Security In Cisco Routers
Cisco is the leader in routing and switching devices, but they aren’t without their problems. Routers need to be secured with several different configurations so as to best ensure a network is not vulnerable to outside attack. How to configure the Cisco router becomes the task, and with what commands is the problem.
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 Cisco announced that one in particular, “Enable password,” has become outdated and vulnerable to security risk.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.
In the end, network administrators will receive much benefit from shielding the running configuration of a Cisco router from hackers and other malicious users. Even small bits of help here and there in network security can mean a large difference in how the network maintains itself in the long run, so be sure to upgrade to the latest IOS and make use of the new password command Cisco offers.
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.
Filed under: Computers & Technology