Overview

Secure Mode allows the transition between standard secure mode and enhanced secure mode for several security functions. Standard secure mode is the existing, default security mode on the switch. Enhanced secure mode provides an additional level of switch security. Enhanced secure mode is also known as FIPS.

CAUTION:

When changing from standard to enhanced secure mode, the switch must be removed from production and commands must be executed from a serial terminal emulator connected to the switch. Executing the secure mode command initiates a switch reboot which erases all the configuration files and everything on the flash memory except the firmware images, similar to the erase all zeroize command. (See “Switch Memory and Configuration” in the basic operation guide for your switch). After the system reboots, the switch must be power-cycled.

NOTE:

For the 3810 switches, stacking and enhanced secure mode are mutually exclusive. If enhanced secure mode is enabled, you cannot enable stacking. If stacking is enabled, you cannot enable enhanced secure mode.