IOS IPS Signature 4.x format upgrade

[Roman Takush]

Greetings!

I want to make an update of signatures 4.x format on 7206 router. I dont need to go to the 5.x format, because there is 12.3 IOS version. And i can't find any documents on cisco.com which describe how to do it.=( Please, can you tell me, is there any difference in upgrading signatures 4.x format from upgrading 5.x format? Or I woud be very thankful if you give me a link to the documentation i need.

Thanks.

[Jennifer Halim · Accepted solution]

Signature 4.x has been discontinued, so you might not be able to upgrade to the latest signature pack for IOS IPS signature 4.x.

However,  as far as the upgrade process is concerned, it should be the same. The  difference is 5.x is in XML format, while version 4.x is in different  format. The new version of IOS might have supported auto signature  update with IOS IPS version 5.x, while IOS IPS 4.x definitely does not  support auto update. You would need to manually update the signature  pack.

I am not sure how well an old version of signature with no  further signature update will protect your network as all new  attacks/vulnerabilities,etc. will not be detected anymore due to  obsolute signature pack.

[Roman Takush]

Thanks, Jennifer!

I know that 4.x signatures will not protect my network in the very best way, but there are some reasons why we can't upgrade IOS on that 7206.

So thanks for answer.