8
Enforcing Switch Security
Switch Management Access Security
Enforcing Switch Security
ProCurve switches are designed as “plug and play” devices, allowing quick and easy installation in 
your network. However, when preparing the switch for network operation, ProCurve strongly 
recommends that you enforce a security policy to help ensure that the ease in getting started is not 
used by unauthorized persons as an opportunity for access and possible malicious actions. Since 
security incidents can originate with sources inside as well as outside of an organization, your switch 
and network access security provisions must protect against internal and external threats while 
preserving the necessary network access for authorized clients and uses.
This section provides an overview of switch management and network access security features and 
applications. However, the features and applications supported by your switch depend on your 
particular switch model. For information on specific features supported, refer to the software 
manuals provided for your switch model. 
Caution: 
In its default configuration, the switch is open to unauthorized access of various types. ProCurve 
recommends that you review this section to help ensure that you recognize the potential for 
unauthorized switch and network access and are aware of the features available to help prevent such 
access. 
Switch Management Access Security
This section outlines provisions for protecting access to the switch’s status information configuration 
settings. For more detailed information on these features, refer to the indicated manuals. 
Default Settings Affecting Security
In the default configuration, switch management access is available through the following methods:
■ Telnet
■ Web-browser interface (including the ability to launch Telnet access)
■ SNMP access
■ Front-Panel access (serial port access to the console, plus resets and clearing the 
password(s) or current configuration)