Service password encryption is a security feature used in network devices, such as routers and switches, to protect sensitive information, particularly passwords, from unauthorized access. When enabled, it encrypts plaintext passwords stored in the device's configuration files, making them unreadable to anyone who might access the configuration. This helps prevent exposure of credentials in case of a security breach or unauthorized access. The encryption is typically implemented using algorithms like MD5 or stronger, depending on the device and its configuration options.
the service password-encryption command encrypts all previously unencrypted passwordsin the running configuration
The service password-encryption global configuration command will encrypt all non-encrypted passwords (enable password, line console, line vty, ect) with a basic encryption algorithm.
Line passwords are encrypted with type 7 encryption.
This command enables a strong encryption algorithm for the enable secret password command.
service password-encryption
All services must provide an encrypted password to function.
All passwords in the configuration are not shown in clear text when viewing the configuration.
You have to enter the router's encryption key, or disable the encryption on the router itself.
if you want to password protect folders on your computer you can use a password protection software, saying Kakasoft Advanced Folder Encryption(http://www.kakasoft.com/folder-encryption),open it and set password to protect you data easily.
The service password-encryption command on a Cisco network device encrypts plaintext passwords in the device's configuration file, converting them into a more secure format. This helps protect sensitive information from being easily readable by unauthorized users who might access the configuration. However, it's important to note that this encryption is relatively weak and should not be considered a robust security measure on its own. It primarily serves to obfuscate passwords rather than provide strong encryption.
password protection, data encryption, or a combination of both.
Encryption of a file scrambles its contents so as to make it unreadable until it is decrypted. You provide the secret encryption keyword (sometimes called a password) used in the encryption process so that only you (or a person you wish to allow to read it) can later decrypt it.