An organization has just deployed a new network infrastructure device and assigned a systems administrator to ensure it is secured. What is the BEST initial action the systems administrator should take to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access due to common credential attacks?
Changing the default credentials is the best initial step for securing new devices. Attackers often use known default usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to new system installations. Resetting these credentials to unique and strong username/password combinations significantly reduces the risk of simple but effective attacks. Updating firmware, while important, is generally focused on addressing functional and security issues rather than preventing unauthorized access due to default credentials. Enforcing account lockout policies is more about responding to attack attempts rather than preemptively mitigating the risk. Scanning for vulnerabilities is an ongoing security practice but does not directly address the specific risk of default password use.
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Why is it important to change default credentials on network devices?
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What are some examples of strong passwords to use instead of default ones?
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What are common credential attacks that organizations should be aware of?