The Server Secret Key text box is stored in clear text
Exampe: /etc/defender.conf
[ip_address}]1845 encrypt_me_I_am_in_clear_text 30
Two possible solutions:
1. That file is readable only by root to protect the information, but you can also convert it to a hex string that defender will read and convert appropriately.
The simplest, easiest, best way to obfuscate it is with QAS and VGP. That'll do it automatically without the need to reinvent the wheel. Please contact your sales account support representative to discuss these options.
Quest™ Authentication Services QAS
Vintela Group Policy (VGP)
2. there is no native solution included with Defender for encrypting this file. Wecannot recommend a specific 3rd party software that is able to accomplish this task. There are freeware available on the internet that will take that file and converted to hex string. Defender will read be able to read a hex string. Also, the excel function could be helpful.