Secure Mode; Login Command And Secure Mode - Compaq AlphaServer DS10 Reference Manual

2.9

Secure Mode

When the console is in secure mode, the only commands
recognized are boot, login, continue, and start. Placing the console
in secure mode ensures that unauthorized persons cannot gain
access to the system. The commands for console security are set
password, clear password, and set secure. The login command
turns off security features during the current console session.
The boot command does not accept command line parameters in secure mode.
The console boots using the environment variables stored in NVRAM
(boot_file, bootdef_dev, boot_flags). After a successful boot, the console is
secured if there is a valid password.
The start and continue commands are valid on a secure console. After either
command is executed, the console is secured if there is a valid password. This
prevents an intruder from accessing the system.
2.9.1

Login Command and Secure Mode

The login command turns off the security features, enabling
access to all SRM console commands during the current session.
The system automatically returns to secure mode as soon as the
boot, continue, or start command is entered or when the system is
initialized.
When the login command is entered, the user is prompted for the current
system password. If a password has not been set, a message is displayed
indicating that there is no password in NVRAM. If a password has been set, this
prompt is displayed:
Please enter the password:
If the password entered matches the password in NVRAM when the prompt is
redisplayed, the console is no longer in secure mode and all console commands
can be performed.
NOTE: If you enter the login command when a halt assertion exists, the
command fails, even if you enter the correct password. See Section 1.13
for information on halt assertion.
SRM Console 2-25