Sets the minimum length of all Cisco IOS passwords

Last Updated on Tue, 05 Dec 2023 | SCND

router(config)#

Boston(config)# security passwords min-length 10

Cisco IOS Release 12.3(1) and later allows administrators to set the minimum character length for all router passwords using the security passwords global configuration command. This command provides enhanced security access to the router by allowing you to specify a minimum password length (0 to 16 characters); this eliminates common passwords that are short and prevalent on most networks, such as "lab" and "cisco." This command affects user passwords, enable passwords and secrets, and line passwords created after the command was executed. Existing router passwords remain unaffected.

It is highly recommended that you set your minimum password length to at least 10 characters. Never use a length of zero.

After this command is enabled, any attempt to create a new password that is less than the specified length fails and results in an error message similar to this message:

Password too short - must be at least 10 characters. Password configuration failed.

Continue reading here: Enables password checking at login for vty Telnet sessions

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Recommended Books

  • Cisco IOS Security Configuration Guide
  • Network Security: A Beginner's Guide
  • Network Security Fundamentals
  • Network Security: Private Communication in a Public World

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Readers' Questions

  • Ahti
    How to reset the password on a cisco wireless router?
    10 months ago
    1. Log into the Cisco Wireless Router web configuration page.
    2. Navigate to the "Administration" tab.
    3. Under the "Administrative Settings" section, click the "Password" option.
    4. Type in the current password in the "Old Password" field and then enter your desired new password in the "New Password" and "Verify Password" fields.
    5. Click "Apply" to save the changes and reset the password.
    • Jay
      How to change password on cisco wireless router?
      1 year ago
      1. Log into your router’s web-based interface by typing in its IP address into an internet browser.
      2. Enter the username and password for the router. This information is found in the router’s manual.
      3. Choose the “Admin” option.
      4. Select the “Password” tab.
      5. Enter your desired new password in both the “New Password” and “Confirm Password” fields.
      6. Select “Save” to apply the new password.
      • zahra
        How to change wifi password on cisco router?
        1 year ago
        1. Open an Internet browser and type the IP address of your Cisco router in the address bar (the default IP is usually 192.168.1.1).
        2. Log in with your credentials.
        3. Once logged in, click on "Wireless" and then "Wireless Security".
        4. Select the Security Mode. This could be None, WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA Mixed.
        5. Enter the desired password in the Security Key or Passphrase field depending on the Security Mode selected.
        6. Click Apply or Save to save the changes.
        7. Disconnect and reconnect your WiFi devices.
        • Darcey
          What is the default minimum password length in characters?
          1 year ago
          • The default minimum password length in characters depends on the system or service that requires the password, but typically it is 8 characters.