What is a crucial step to take when hardening a smart switch installed in a hospital?

Changing the default password for the smart switch is a crucial step in hardening the device because default passwords are widely known and easily accessible. Attackers often target devices with factory settings, including default credentials, as these provide an easy entry point into the network. By changing the default password, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance the security posture of the smart switch.

In the context of a hospital environment, where sensitive data and critical operations are managed, ensuring that all devices, including smart switches, utilize strong, unique passwords is essential for protecting patient information and maintaining network integrity. This practice aligns with the industry standard of securing network devices against potential threats.

Other options may have their benefits but do not directly address the immediate vulnerabilities posed by easy-to-guess credentials.