Replication Server encrypts all passwords, and stores and transmits passwords in encrypted format.
Replication Server uses password encryption instead of clear text when storing all passwords for new Replication Server installations.
Set the site version to 1571 or later before you use rs_init to change existing encrypted passwords when you are upgrading Replication Server. To change the passwords if you do not set the site version to 1571 or later, you must use rs_init from the version of Replication Server that you are upgrading from. You should manually remove the RS_random attribute in the configuration file if you downgrade Replication Server.
To regenerate the password encrytion key, see Replication Server Administration Guide Volume 1 > Manage Replication Server Security > Manage Replication Server System Security > Password Encryption.