Unless the firewall is brand new (in which case the passwords will either be {blank} or Cisco) to access a PIX firewall you will need a password, (this stands to reason it is a security device after all :) With a few exceptions you do not USUALLY need a username, those exceptions being a. Access via SSH needs the "pix" username and b. If you have set up authentication to be done by AAA. If you do not know the password then you need to perform some password recovery

PIX Password Recovery procedure

ASA Password recovery procedure

Methods of Access.

1. Via Console Cable: This uses the rollover cable that came with the firewall, They are usually pale blue in colour, and the more modern ones have a molded serial socket on them, the older ones have a grey network to serial converter that plugs on the end. Access is via some Terminal Emulation Software, e.g. Hyperterminal (Note if you cant find Hyperterminal you may need to add it from add remove programs > windows components, or If you are using Windows Vista CLICK HERE.).

2. Via Telnet: This simply allows connection via a telnet client, all versions of Windows have one, though Microsoft have done a good job of Hiding it in Vista. You can also use Hyperterminal or another third party Telnet client (Like PuTTy) This is considered the LEAST SECURE method of connection as passwords are sent in clear text, on a new firewall the password is usually set to cisco (all lower case).

3. Via Web Browser: (How the vast majority of people access the firewall). Depending on the age and version of the firewall dictates what "Web Server" you are connecting to, Cisco firewall's running an Operating system of version 6 and below use the "PIX Device Manager", and Devices running Version 7 and above use the "Adaptive Security Device Manager". They have a similar look and feel and both require you have Java installed and working.

4. Via SSH: Secure Sockets Handshake this is sometimes called "secure telnet" as it does not send passwords and usernames in clear text. Once enabled it uses the username of pix and the password you have set for telnet access.

5. Via the ASDM Client software: (Version 7 firewall's and above) You will need to have the software installed on your PC for this to work (you can download it from the firewall's web interface of from the CD that came with the firewall).

2. At the command window, enter the following command,

telnet {ip of the firewall's inside interface} {enter}

To connect via Web Browser - the firewall's internal web server needs to be enabled in the firewall configuration, and the IP address of the machine you are on (or the network it is in, also needs to be allowed) If you cannot connect from your web browser you will need to establish a console cable connection.

Also to access via this method you need to know the firewall's "Enable Password", If you use a proxy server then you will need to remove it from the browsers settings while you carry out the following. Ensure also that you have Java Installed and working.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the following,

https://{inside IP address of the firewall}

Note if you are using IE7 (as shown) you will need to click "Continue to this web site (not Recommended)".

IE6 Users will see this instead

2. Leave the username blank, and the password is the firewall's enable password.

Note if you are using AAA you might need to enter a username and password.

1.The simplest way to get the software is from the firewall. Open a web browser and connect to,

https://{ip address of the inside of the firewall}

Log in as described in section 3 above.

Select "Install ASDM Launcher and Run ASDM".