What is the first step in establishing secure access to a switch remotely?

The first step in establishing secure access to a switch remotely involves enabling SSH (Secure Shell) access. This step is crucial because SSH provides a secure method for logging into the switch, encrypting the data transmitted over the network, which protects against eavesdropping and various types of attacks. By enabling SSH, administrators can manage network devices securely and efficiently from remote locations, eliminating the risk associated with using unsecured protocols like Telnet.

In addition, while other steps, such as setting up the hardware or configuring network protocols, are important for overall switch functionality, they do not specifically address the security of remote access. Thus, enabling SSH is essential for ensuring that any remote management sessions maintain confidentiality and integrity, making it the priority in establishing secure remote access. Restricting console access, while also a security measure, does not directly pertain to remote access security.