What type of encryption does the service password-encryption command use in Cisco devices?

The service password-encryption command in Cisco devices employs Type 7 encryption. This is a simple reversible encryption method intended to obfuscate passwords stored in the device's configuration file. It uses a basic algorithm that replaces each character of the password with a different character, which makes it less visible in plaintext but not particularly secure against determined attackers.

Type 7 encryption is not designed for strong security, and while it provides a superficial level of protection, it's important to note that this encryption method can be easily deciphered with readily available tools. Therefore, for more secure applications, Cisco recommends using stronger encryption methods, such as Type 5 (MD5 hashes) or Type 6 (AES encryption), to better protect sensitive passwords.

In summary, the service password-encryption command is specifically associated with Type 7 encryption due to its reversible nature and the simplicity of the algorithm used for transforming the original passwords.