User`s guide

6-164 Setting up Meridian Mail security
Administration terminals
Standard 1.0 System Administration Guide January 1998
Administration terminals
Introduction
There are two facilities provided for protecting against
unauthorized access to the Meridian Mail administration
terminal:
• the administration password
• hardware-based remote access restriction
Administration
password
The administration terminal is password protected. When
Meridian Mail is first installed, there is a default password. The
first time you log on to the Meridian Mail administration
terminal, you are forced to change this default password. You
are recommended to change this password on a regular basis to
maximize system security.
Passwords can be between 1 and 16 characters in length.
However, it is recommended that the password be no less than
seven characters in length. The longer the password, the less
likely it is that someone will guess it.
Always log off before you leave the administration terminal,
even if only for a short period.
Remote access
restriction
If remote access is enabled on your system, anyone can dial in
and commandeer your system. Remote access should not be
enabled unless required (for example, for remote support
personnel to work on your system).
Modular Option EC (ModOpEC) systems have an internal
modem which is enabled using the <Ctrl> <w> key sequence.
When a remote access session is in progress, local access is
prohibited.
Non-EC systems are configured with an A/B switchbox
between the terminal and the modem. When the switch is set to
the modem setting, the system can be remotely accessed (but
not from the local terminal). When the switch is set to the
terminal setting, access is only possible from the local terminal.
The switch is controllable at the site and must be switched
manually.