What type of encryption is used by the enable secret command in Cisco devices?

The enable secret command in Cisco devices uses Type 5 encryption, which is based on the MD5 hashing algorithm. When you set an enable secret password, it is hashed using MD5 and stored in the device's configuration. This provides a stronger level of security compared to Type 7 encryption, which is a simple and easily reversible obfuscation method that doesn't provide true encryption.

Type 5 hashing is designed to be one-way, meaning that it creates a hash that cannot be easily reverted back to the original password, making it much more secure for storing sensitive information such as passwords. Other options like Type 7, while still on some devices, do not employ strong encryption methods and are therefore less secure. SHA-1, while a hashing method, is not used by the enable secret command for password storage in Cisco devices.

Choosing Type 5 ensures that the password remains protected against potential password retrieval attempts, enhancing the overall security of the Cisco device.