When Security Is Important - HP ProCurve 6400cl Series Access Security Manual

Configuring Username and Password Security
Front-Panel Security

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.
As a result of increased security concerns, customers now have the ability to
stop someone from removing passwords by disabling the Clear and/or Reset
buttons on the front of the switch.
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