Because in networking, as in security: the default is rarely your friend. Author’s note: This article applies to all QFX models including QFX5100, QFX5110, QFX5120, QFX5130, QFX5200, QFX5700, and QFX10000 series running Junos 15.1X53 and later.
root@qfx> configure Entering configuration mode [edit] root@qfx# set system root-authentication plain-text-password New password: <enter strong password> Retype new password: <confirm> [edit] root@qfx# commit commit complete Now log out and test: console login should require the new password. For production, disable direct root login and use a separate admin account with su privileges: qfx default password
(insecure playbook snippet):
login: root Password: Press Enter at the password prompt. You are now logged in as root. If the switch has been configured for serial over LAN but the password was later cleared (e.g., via load factory-default ), the same blank password applies. 2.3 SSH – Not Enabled by Default Contrary to some misconceptions, SSH is not enabled out of the box. If you try: Because in networking, as in security: the default
loader> boot -s Enter full pathname of shell: /bin/sh # mount -t msdosfs /dev/da0s1 /mnt # vi /mnt/etc/master.passwd # (remove the password hash after root::) # reboot This is complex and requires physical or out-of-band console access. 6.1 Ansible and Default Passwords When using Ansible to initially provision QFX switches, never rely on a default blank password. Instead, use console-based first-time setup or pre-staged SSH keys via USB autoinstall. For production, disable direct root login and use
Every engineer who unboxes a QFX, performs a zeroize, or loads factory-default configuration must immediately set a strong root password or—preferably—disable root login entirely. Document the change, verify it, and include it in your configuration management database.