PasswordsPasswords can be any combination of up to 8 alphanumeric characters. You can enterlonger passwords, but the entries are truncated to include only the first 8 characters.The privileged-access password can be set from the service processor menus or fromSystem Management Services (SMS) utilities (see “Chapter 4. System ManagementServices” on page 95). The general-access password can be set only from serviceprocessor menus.For security purposes, the service processor counts the number of attempts to entercorrect passwords. The results of not recognizing a correct password within this errorthreshold are different, depending on whether the attempts are being made locally (atthe server) or remotely (through a modem). The error threshold is 3 attempts.If the error threshold is reached by someone entering passwords at the server, theservice processor commands the server to resume the initial program load (IPL). Thisaction is taken based on the assumption that the server is in an adequately securelocation with only authorized users having access. Such users must still successfullyenter a login password to access AIX.If the error threshold is reached by someone entering passwords remotely, the serviceprocessor commands the server to power down to prevent potential security attacks onthe server by unauthorized remote users. The following illustrates what you can accesswith the privileged-access password and the general-access password.PrivilegedAccessPasswordGeneralAccessPasswordResulting MenuNone None Service processor MAIN MENU displayedNone Set Users with the password see the GENERAL USER MENU.Users without the password see the service processor MAINMENU.Set None Users with the password see the service processor MAINMENU. Users without password see the GENERAL USERMENU.Set Set Users see menus associated with the entered passwordv Change Privileged Access PasswordSet or change the privileged-access password. It provides the user with the capabilityto access all service processor functions. This password is usually used by thesystem administrator or root user.v Change General Access PasswordSet or change the general-access password. It provides limited access to serviceprocessor menus, and is usually available to all users who are allowed to power onthe server, especially remotely.Note: The general-access password can only be set or changed while theprivileged-access password is set.66 S80 and S85 User’s Guide
