What is a default password? (2024)

What is a default password?

A default password is a standard preconfigured password for a device or software. Such passwords are the default configuration for many devices and, if unchanged, present a serious security risk.

Default passwords are intended to be placeholders and used only for the initial setup of hardware or after a factory reset. The user enters the password and is usually prompted to change it as part of the process, but not always.

Examples of default passwords include admin, password and guest. When vendors use these single default passwords, they can be easily found online through search or on websites that provide compiled lists. This makes them a large security risk if left unchanged.

What are default passwords used for?

Default passwords are commonly used for routers, access points, switches and firewalls. They're also common in embedded systems, industrial control systems (ICS) and remote terminal interfaces.

What is a default password? (2)

Why are default passwords a security risk?

Left unchanged, default passwords provide an easy attack vector for network equipment; if the owner also connects to a corporate network, that risk extends to the business as well. An attacker who logs into a device successfully is likely to have administrative-level access. This gives them complete control over the device and any connected networks.

The risk is also severe with embedded systems and ICS security because these environments weren't originally intended to be accessible over the internet. However, given today's IoT environments, almost anything can be made available via an internet connection, and while there are many benefits to IoT connectivity, enhanced security isn't among them.

How can default passwords be mitigated?

Default passwords are a well-known security risk that can easily be mitigated by changing them to strong, unique ones.

This should be done for every device on a network, including routers, switches and access points. For more sensitive devices, such as those used in ICS security or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), it's also important to change the default username.

What are the characteristics of a strong password?

The following are some characteristics of a strong password:

  • at least 8 characters long;
  • a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols;
  • not a dictionary word or a word that's easily guessed;
  • changed regularly; and
  • not reused on other accounts.
What is a default password? (3)

How should passwords be stored?

Passwords should be stored in a password manager. This is a piece of software that stores passwords securely, encrypting them so that they can only be accessed with a master password. A password manager can generate strong passwords and help manage different ones for various accounts.

When choosing a password manager, look for one that offers two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA).

As mentioned above, this adds an extra layer of security by requiring the user to confirm their identity with a second factor, such as a fingerprint, PIN or one-time code sent to their phone.

Learn how to prevent password attacks and other unauthorized threats, discover the top cybersecurity best practices to protect your business and explore five important password hygiene tips and best practices.

This was last updated in October 2022

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What is a default password? (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of a default password? ›

Default passwords are intended to be placeholders and used only for the initial setup of hardware or after a factory reset. The user enters the password and is usually prompted to change it as part of the process, but not always. Examples of default passwords include admin, password and guest.

Where do I find my default password? ›

The default username and password are usually found in the instruction manual (common for all devices) or on the device itself. Default passwords are one of the major contributing factors to large-scale compromises of home routers. Leaving such a password on devices available to the public is a major security risk.

What is the default WIFI password? ›

#1) The default username and password can be obtained from the router manual which comes with the router when you first purchase and install it. #2) Generally, for most of the routers, the default username and password is “admin” and “admin”.

Why are default passwords bad? ›

Default passwords are often widely known and easily accessible, making it simple for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to devices, systems, or accounts. This can lead to data breaches, unauthorized control, and misuse of the associated resources.

What is the most common default password? ›

Worldwide, the most common passwords are: 123456. password. 123456789.

What is a strong default password? ›

Create strong passwords

A strong password is: At least 12 characters long but 14 or more is better. A combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Not a word that can be found in a dictionary or the name of a person, character, product, or organization.

What is the default password for Android? ›

Q: What is the ⁣default password when ‍starting an Android? A: The default password⁣ when starting an Android is usually 0000 or 1234. However, you should ⁣check your device ‍settings to‍ make⁢ sure this is the right password for ​your device.

What is the first password? ›

The 1st digital password

In 1961, MIT computer science professor Fernando Corbato created the first digital password as a project problem-solver. When he built a giant time-sharing computer, several users needed their own private access to the terminals. His solution? Give each user their own password.

Should I change default Wi-Fi password? ›

It helps prevent unknown individuals from accessing your internet settings and guards against potential network damage. You can reduce the possibility that someone could mess with your internet settings or access your personal data by changing the password.

How do I reset my default Wi-Fi password? ›

Press and hold the reset button for between 10 and 15 seconds. This will restore the router to its original factory settings and reset the password in the process. Log into your router using the default username and password. In most cases, the default password will be “admin,” “password,” or left blank.

Where is Wi-Fi password on router? ›

You can find the default network name and password in the label on the back of your router or gateway. If you're an admin user and have previously changed your network name and password, you can use another method listed to make this change to your account.

What should you avoid in your passwords? ›

-Do not use your network username as your password. -Don't use easily guessed passwords, such as “password” or “user.” -Do not choose passwords based upon details that may not be as confidential as you'd expect, such as your birth date, your Social Security or phone number, or names of family members.

Why you should never save passwords on your device? ›

There are types of malware that are capable of harvesting passwords from your device. They know exactly where browsers store their passwords and the encryption key, so they can steal and send the credentials to the attacker.

How often should you change your password? ›

But how often should you create new passwords? Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your password every three months. There may even be situations where you should change your password immediately, especially if a cybercriminal has access to your account.

What is an example of a weak and default password? ›

Weak/default passwords

Examples include 123456 and qwerty. Most computer systems will provide a default password when first set up. If these are not changed, this puts computers at risk.

What is an example of a good password format? ›

Password: m#P52s@ap$V

It's strong, long, and difficult for someone else to guess. It uses more than 10 characters with letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols, and includes no obvious personal information or common words.

What are two default password requirements? ›

At least one non-alphanumeric character. Mixed upper and lower-case characters. Allowed invalid login attempts. Disallow old passwords.

What are some password examples? ›

How to Make Your Password More Secure
Weak PasswordBetter PasswordStrong Password
deltagammadeltagamm@d3ltagamm@
ilovemypiano!LoveMyPiano!Lov3MyPiano
SterlingSterlingGmal2015SterlingGmail20.15
BankLoginBankLogin13BankLogin!3
7 more rows
May 2, 2023

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