V-217405

Discussion

Passwords need to be protected at all times, and encryption is the standard method for protecting passwords. If passwords are not encrypted, they can be plainly read (i.e., clear text) and easily compromised. Network devices can accomplish this by making direct function calls to encryption modules or by leveraging operating system encryption capabilities.

Check Content

Verify the BIG-IP appliance is configured to use a properly configured authentication server that transmits only encrypted representations of passwords. 

Navigate to the BIG-IP System manager >> System >> Users >> Authentication.

Verify "Authentication: User Directory" is configured for an approved remote authentication server that only transmits encrypted representations of passwords. 

If the BIG-IP appliance is not configured to use a properly configured authentication server that only transmits encrypted representations of passwords, this is a finding.