The security appliance uses a built-in IDA client to query the firmware from Cisco’s IDA server. If a newer firmware is detected after you log in to the Configuration Utility for the first time, we recommend that you upgrade your firmware to the latest version before you do any other tasks. This feature requires that you have an active WAN connection to access the Internet.
1. Log in to the Configuration Utility for the first time and change the default administrator password. See Logging in to the Configuration Utility.
If newer firmware is detected, the Firmware Upgrade window opens. The version number for the firmware that you are currently using and the version number for the latest firmware that is detected are displayed.
2. Enter your Cisco.com account credentials in the Username and Password fields.
A valid Cisco.com account is required to download and install the firmware from Cisco.com. If you do not have one, go to https:// tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do by clicking the Create a Cisco.com Account link to register a Cisco.com account.
NOTE: Skip this step if your Cisco.com account credentials are already configured on the security appliance.
NOTE: You can click Install Later to upgrade the firmware later. An Upgrade Available link will be displayed at the top right corner of the screen and the Setup Wizard will now launch. We strongly recommend that you upgrade the firmware immediately.
4. Validate your Cisco.com account credentials through the Internet. If your Cisco.com account credentials are valid, the security appliance starts downloading and installing the firmware. This process will take several minutes.
5. The security appliance reboots after the firmware is upgraded. You will be redirected to the login screen when the security appliance boots up.
6. Log in to the Configuration Utility again. The Setup Wizard will launch. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the initial configuration. See Using the Setup Wizard for the Initial Configuration, page 18.
Note Other options to upgrade the firmware:
• If you cannot access the Internet after you log in to the Configuration Utility for the first time, you can use the Setup Wizard to configure your Internet connection and then automatically check for firmware updates after the Setup Wizard is complete. The Setup Wizard also allows you to manually upgrade the firmware from a firmware image stored on your local PC. See Using the Setup Wizard for the Initial Configuration, page 18.
• You can manually upgrade the firmware from a firmware image stored on your PC or on a USB device. You must first download the latest firmware image from Cisco.com and save it to your local PC or to a USB device. See Upgrading Firmware from a PC or a USB Device, page 369.
• The security appliance automatically checks for firmware updates from Cisco’s IDA server every 24 hours. You can upgrade your firmware to the latest version if a newer firmware is available on Cisco.com. This feature requires that you have an active WAN connection and a valid Cisco.com account is configured on the security appliance in advance. See Upgrading your Firmware from Cisco.com, page 368.