How To: Taking and Restoring ASDM Backups on Cisco ASAs

It’s easy to get a full backup of an ASA by using ASDM and there are advantages of this method over using CLI. Here’s a walkthrough of how to obtain a full backup and a list of the advantages.

Pulling the Backup

Step One: Open up the Cisco ASDM-IDM Launcher and log into your ASA device.

Step Two: Navigate to Tools > Backup Configurations and you will see this screen:

Step Three: Name the file and pick a place to save it on your local computer.

Step Four: Click Backup and wait for the confirmation message, it will look like this. Note: the default secret key password is cisco, cisco if you haven’t customized it.

Step Five: Keep the backup in case it is needed.

Restoring the ASA Using the ASDM Backup

Step One: In ASDM, navigate to Tools > Restore Configurations

Step Two: Select the zip file backup created and follow the prompts.

Alison Wallick, PEI

Other Networking Basics:

Upgrading ASA and ASDM Images

Setting up SSH and Local Authentication

Adding and Removing Devices from the Meraki Dashboard

Setting Up New Meraki Access Points

Upgrading an ASA ROMMON Version

Configuring a Cisco Router as DHCP Server

Site-to-Site VPN between Meraki and ASA