Setting the system passphrase

If you are performing a new installation, the program prompts you to set a system passphrase for encryption purposes, as shown in the following image. Once the installation program sets the system passphrase, this step does not present again upon subsequent Niagara 4 installations.

Note: It is important to remember the system passphrase and keep it safe. If you lose the system passphrase, you will lose access to encrypted data.

The system passphrase is used to protect sensitive information stored on all Niagara systems, and on the memory card in JACE-8000 and JACE-9000 controllers. The system passphrase is assigned as the file passphrase for “portable” files, such as backups and station copies, and is used to encrypt those files. During operations in which you transfer encrypted files to a system (restoring backups, transferring a station, etc.) you are prompted to supply the file passphrase if it doesn’t match the system passphrase. The system passphrase defaults to the factory default platform password. During commissioning, you will be prompted to change the default system passphrase. You must remember the system password and keep it safe. If you lose the system passphrase, you will lose access to encrypted data. To change the system passphrase, use the Platform Administration tool. For more detailed information, see “System passphrase” in the Niagara Platform Guide.

Note: Once the installation program sets the system passphrase, this step will not be presented again upon subsequent Niagara 4 installations.

In the Passphrase property, enter the passphrase and then repeat the entry in the Confirm Passphrase property.
Note: A strong passphrase is required. Use 10 or more characters and include at least one of each of the following: uppercase, lowercase, and numeric.
Write down the passphrase you created.
Note: It is important to remember the system passphrase and keep it safe. If you lose the system passphrase, you will lose access to encrypted data.
Click Next to continue.