password complexity disable cisco CBS 350: In newer firmware for the Cisco CBS350 (specifically version 3.2.0.84 and later), Cisco introduced “Mandatory Password Rules” that cannot be disabled via the Web GUI or the CLI to improve device security.
Why password complexity disable cisco CBS 350 is “Locked”
Firmware Updates: Version 3.2.0.84 updated the security posture. Settings that were once optional, like minimum length and character classes, are now enforced by default.
Mandatory Rules: According to the Cisco Password Setting Update guide, these mandatory settings cannot be disabled even by an administrator.
What You Can Still Change in CBS 350
While you cannot disable complexity entirely, you can still modify some parameters in the Advanced display mode:
Navigate to Security > Login Settings (replaces the old “Password Strength” menu).
Password Aging: You can still disable this by unchecking the box or setting the days to 0.
Password Strength Meter: Use this to see if your chosen password meets the new mandatory minimums (at least 8 characters, 3 character classes, no username derivatives).
CLI Workaround (If Applicable)
If you are on an older firmware or need to toggle optional complexity, you can try these commands via console:
configure terminal
no passwords complexity enable (This may return an error on newer firmware if the rules are mandatory).
passwords aging 0 (To stop forced password changes)
Recommended Approach
Since you cannot disable these rules on current firmware, the best practice is to use the Suggest Password button in the User Accounts menu to generate a compliant password, then save it in a password manager.
If you absolutely must have simple passwords for a lab environment, you would need to downgrade the firmware to a version prior to 3.2.0.84, though this is not recommended as it leaves the switch vulnerable to known exploits
Since firmware v3.2.0.84 and later, Cisco has made certain password complexity rules mandatory on the CBS350. You cannot disable these entirely via the GUI or CLI, but you can adjust the “optional” settings to make them as lenient as possible.
The Solution: Set Minimum Permitted Values
steps in the Web GUI(if Older Version firmware)
To make passwords as simple as the new firmware allows, follow these steps in the Web GUI:
Switch to Advanced Mode: In the top-right corner of the GUI, change the Display Mode to Advanced.
Navigate to Login Settings: Go to Security > Login Settings
Adjust to Minimums:
Password Aging: Uncheck Enable to stop the switch from forcing periodic changes.
Minimal Password Length: Set this to 8 (the absolute minimum the firmware will accept).
Minimal Number of Character Classes: Set this to 3 (this is the mandatory minimum; it requires three out of four: Upper, Lower, Number, or Special).
Password Complexity Settings: If you see a checkbox to “Enable” complexity, uncheck it—though note that on the latest firmware, the mandatory rules will still apply even if this is unchecked.
Why you see “Error” or “Grayed Out”
If you try to set a password like “cisco123”, the switch will reject it because:
It contains the username (“cisco”).
It doesn’t meet the “3 character classes” rule (e.g., it needs an uppercase letter like “Cisco123!”).
It might be in the built-in dictionary of common passwords.
Alternative: Use the Password Generator
If you are struggling to find a password that the switch accepts, use the built-in tool:
Go to Administration > User Accounts.
Click Add or Edit, then click the Suggest Password link.
The switch will generate a compliant string for you. Copy it immediately, as it will not be shown again
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