Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series, Configuration Manual

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Password Recovery
By default, any end user with physical access to the switch can recover from a lost password by interrupting
the boot process while the switch is powering on and then by entering a new password.
The password-recovery disable feature protects access to the switch password by disabling part of this
functionality. When this feature is enabled, the end user can interrupt the boot process only by agreeing to set
the system back to the default configuration. With password recovery disabled, you can still interrupt the boot
process and change the password, but the configuration file (config.text) and the VLAN database file (vlan.dat)
are deleted.
If you disable password recovery, we recommend that you keep a backup copy of the configuration file on a
secure server in case the end user interrupts the boot process and sets the system back to default values. Do
not keep a backup copy of the configuration file on the switch. If the switch is operating in VTP transparent
mode, we recommend that you also keep a backup copy of the VLAN database file on a secure server. When
the switch is returned to the default system configuration, you can download the saved files to the switch by
using the Xmodem protocol.
To re-enable password recovery, use the service password-recovery global configuration command.
Related Topics
Disabling Password Recovery, on page 762
Restrictions for Controlling Switch Access with Passwords and Privileges, on page 755
Terminal Line Telnet Configuration
When you power-up your switch for the first time, an automatic setup program runs to assign IP information
and to create a default configuration for continued use. The setup program also prompts you to configure your
switch for Telnet access through a password. If you did not configure this password during the setup program,
you can configure it when you set a Telnet password for a terminal line.
Related Topics
Setting a Telnet Password for a Terminal Line, on page 764
Example: Setting a Telnet Password for a Terminal Line, on page 772
Username and Password Pairs
You can configure username and password pairs, which are locally stored on the switch. These pairs are
assigned to lines or ports and authenticate each user before that user can access the switch. If you have defined
privilege levels, you can also assign a specific privilege level (with associated rights and privileges) to each
username and password pair.
Related Topics
Configuring Username and Password Pairs, on page 765
Privilege Levels
Cisco switches (and other devices) use privilege levels to provide password security for different levels of
switch operation. By default, the Cisco IOS software operates in two modes (privilege levels) of password
Consolidated Platform Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS Release 15.2(4)E (Catalyst 2960-X Switches)
757
Information About Passwords and Privilege Levels