Multiple devices with the same locally administered user name/password offer a low level of security. Everyone having access to everything, without regard for need, also unnecessarily increases risk. Multiple locally administered passwords would appear to increase security, but might lead to employees writing down passwords if too many exist to remember. This situation would be exacerbated if complex passwords were implemented.

AAA, with its centralized security database and authorization features, allows a single secure user name/password combination for each employee and yet allows restricting access to a “need to have” basis. At the same time, AAA allows for rapid resolution of compromised passwords or terminated employees.