Recovering a Password on a Cisco Router

D

Sure, I'd be happy to provide a detailed explanation of the answer choices and why one of them is correct.

A. The default reset password is cisco This statement is partially true, but incomplete. The default password for some Cisco routers is indeed "cisco", but it is not a reset password. Instead, it is the default login password that is used when the router has not yet been configured with a unique password. If a router has been previously configured with a unique password, the default password of "cisco" will not work.

B. It requires a secure SSL/ VPN connection This statement is not entirely accurate. Recovering a password on a Cisco router typically requires console access to the device using a terminal emulator such as PuTTY or Tera Term. In some cases, remote access over Telnet or SSH may be used, but a secure SSL/ VPN connection is not necessary for password recovery.

C. A factory reset is required if you forget the password This statement is incorrect. While a factory reset will certainly remove any configured passwords from the router, it is not necessary for password recovery. In fact, a factory reset is generally considered a last resort as it will also erase all other configuration settings, potentially causing significant downtime and data loss.

D. It requires physical access to the router This statement is true. In order to recover a password on a Cisco router, you will typically need physical access to the device in order to connect to its console port with a terminal emulator. This allows you to access the router's command line interface (CLI) and recover or reset the password as needed.

In summary, the correct answer to the question is D. It is important to note that password recovery on a Cisco router can be a complex and potentially risky process, so it should only be attempted by experienced IT professionals who are familiar with the device and the necessary procedures.