In the configuration file ( show running-config ), it looks something like this: enable secret 5 $1$XyZ1$2aB3cDeFgHiJkLmNoPqRs1
While knowing how to recover a Type 5 password is useful, relying on it for security in 2026 is not best practice. cisco secret 5 password decrypt
Compliance frameworks such as the CIS Benchmarks for Cisco IOS require that Type 5 passwords be migrated to stronger Type 8 or Type 9 hashes. Specifically: In the configuration file ( show running-config ),
Websites that claim to decrypt Cisco Type 5 passwords essentially run a dictionary or brute‑force attack on their servers. There is no mathematical “decryption”. Using such services with real production hashes is dangerous, as you are entrusting your security to an unknown third party. There is no mathematical “decryption”
In some cases, if you have physical access to the device, you can attempt to recover the password by manipulating the boot process and accessing the device's ROMMON (Read-Only Memory, Monitor) mode. From there, you might be able to bypass or reset the password.
If you are looking for a tool to "decrypt" a Cisco Type 5 password, here is the short answer: