Appendix A System Architecture

Communications

Note For IPS 5.0 and later, you can no longer remove the cisco account. You can disable it using the no password cisco command, but you cannot remove it. To use the no password cisco command, there must be another administrator account on the sensor. Removing the cisco account through the service account is not supported. If you remove the cisco account through the service account, the sensor most likely will not boot up, so to recover the sensor you must reinstall the sensor system image.

Service Account

The service account is a support and troubleshooting tool that enables TAC to log in to a native operating system shell rather than the CLI shell. It does not exist on the sensor by default. You must create it so that it is available for TAC to use for troubleshooting your sensor.

Only one service account is allowed per sensor and only one account is allowed a service role. When the password of the service account is set or reset, the password of the root account is set to the same password. This allows the service account user to su to root using the same password. When the service account is removed, the password of the root account is locked.

The service account is not intended to be used for configuration purposes. Only modifications made to the sensor through the service account under the direction of TAC are supported. Cisco Systems does not support the addition and/or running of an additional service to the operating system through the service account, because it affects proper performance and proper functioning of the other IPS services. TAC does not support a sensor on which additional services have been added.

You can track logins to the service account by checking the log file /var/log/.tac, which is updated with a record of service account logins.

Note The Cisco IPS incorporates several troubleshooting features that are available through the CLI, IDM, or IME. The service account is not necessary for most troubleshooting situations. You may need to create the service account at the direction of TAC to troubleshoot a very unique problem. The service account lets you bypass the protections built into the CLI and allows root privilege access to the sensor, which is otherwise disabled. We recommend that you do not create a service account unless it is needed for a specific reason. You should remove the service account when it is no longer needed.

Communications

This section describes the communications protocols used by the Cisco IPS. It contains the following topics:

IDAPI, page A-32

IDIOM, page A-32

IDCONF, page A-33

SDEE, page A-33

CIDEE, page A-34

 

 

Cisco Intrusion Prevention System Sensor CLI Configuration Guide for IPS 7.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OL-29168-01

 

 

A-31

 

 

 

 

 

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Cisco Systems IPS4510K9 manual Communications, Service Account

IPS4510K9 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leading player in network security, and its IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) series is a testament to its commitment to safeguarding digital environments. Among its notable offerings are the IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 models, both designed to provide advanced threat protection for mid-sized to large enterprise networks.

The Cisco IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 are distinguished by their cutting-edge features that help organizations defend against a myriad of cyber threats. These systems utilize a multi-layered approach to security, integrating intrusion prevention, advanced malware protection, and comprehensive visibility across the network.

One of the primary characteristics of the IPS4510K9 is its high performance. It boasts a throughput of up to 1 Gbps, making it suitable for environments that demand rapid data processing and real-time responses to threats. The IPS4520K9, on the other hand, enhances that capability with improved throughput of up to 2 Gbps, accommodating larger enterprises with heavier network traffic. These models are equipped with powerful processors that support complex signature matching and can intelligently distinguish between legitimate traffic and potential threats.

In addition to performance, both models are designed with scalability in mind. They can be easily integrated into existing Cisco infrastructures. This facilitates a seamless enhancement of security without causing significant interruptions to ongoing operations. Moreover, they offer flexible deployment options, allowing organizations to operate them inline or out of band depending on their specific needs.

The Cisco IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 leverage advanced detection technologies, utilizing a variety of signature types and heuristic analysis to detect known and unknown threats effectively. They are equipped with real-time alerting and reporting capabilities, giving security teams immediate visibility into potential breaches and enabling them to respond swiftly.

Furthermore, both models support a range of management options through the Cisco Security Manager, allowing for centralized administration, streamlined policy management, and enhanced monitoring capabilities. Automated updates ensure the systems remain current with the latest threat intelligence, vital for staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

In summary, the Cisco Systems IPS4510K9 and IPS4520K9 represent powerful solutions for organizations seeking robust intrusion prevention capabilities. With their high performance, scalability, and advanced detection technologies, these systems are essential tools in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, providing enterprises with the peace of mind needed to operate securely in today's digital world.