Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 System Manual page 353

Protection
11.4 Configuring access protection for the CPU
Communication between the CPUs via the communication functions in the blocks is not
restricted by the access level of the CPUs.
Entering the correct password enables access to all the functions that are allowed in the
given level.
Note
Configuring an access level does not replace know-how protection
Configuring access levels offers a high degree of protection against unauthorized changes to
the CPU through network access. Access levels restrict the rights to download the hardware
and software configuration to the CPUs. However, blocks on the SIMATIC memory card are
not write-protected or read-protected. Use know-how protection to protect the code of blocks
on the SIMATIC memory card.
Behavior of functions in different access levels
The STEP 7 online help includes a table listing the online functions available in the various
access levels.
Configuring access levels
Proceed as follows to configure the access levels for the CPUs:
1. Open the properties of the CPUs in the inspector window.
2. Open "Protection & Security" in the area navigation.
A table with the possible access levels appears in the inspector window.
Figure 11-3 Possible access levels of an R/H-CPU up to FW version V3.0
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S7-1500R/H redundant system
System Manual, 01/2024, A5E41814787-AF