KB.15.15

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 passwords 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 can 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.

Front-panel button functions

The System Support Module (SSM) of the switch includes the system Reset button and the Clear

button. When using redundant management, the system Reset button reboots the entire chassis.

(See "Resetting the Management Module" in the Management and Configuration Guide for more

information on resetting the management modules in a redundant management switch.)

Figure 16 Front panel button locations on an HP 8212zl switch

Clearbutton

Pressing the clear button alone for one second resets the password(s) configured on the switch.

Figure 17 Press the Clear button for one second to reset passwords

Reset button

Pressing the Reset button alone for one second causes the switch to reboot.

Figure 18 Press and hold the Reset button for one second to reboot the switch

Front panel security 39