Should You Keep a Default Password? A Practical Guide
Learn why default passwords are risky, when to change them, and practical steps to secure routers, printers, and apps. This guide from Default Password gives you a repeatable process for stronger admin access.
Should you keep a default password? No. This guide helps you assess the risks of factory credentials and replace them across routers, printers, and apps. You’ll learn when to change defaults, how to locate the setting, and practical, step-by-step actions to secure admin access and reduce exposure from common default passwords.
What a default password is and why it matters
A default password is the credential that comes preconfigured on a device or service. Manufacturers ship devices with a factory-supplied password or a simple default like 'admin' or 'password'. Leaving these intact is a common entry point for attackers, especially on network devices exposed to the internet. According to Default Password Team, many devices in homes and small offices still have unchanged factory credentials, which dramatically increases the risk of unauthorized access, data exposure, and compromised devices. Changing these credentials quickly closes a major security gap and sets the foundation for ongoing security hygiene. When you avoid relying on defaults, you reduce the attack surface and buy time to implement additional protections like strong passphrases and two-factor authentication.
Common devices and where defaults hide
Defaults can live in routers, printers, IP cameras, NAS devices, smart switches, and even some IoT services. Look for a label on the device, a web-based admin panel, or a mobile app that prompts for credentials during initial setup. Regularly audit every device in your network, including devices that aren’t primary routers, because attackers often pivot through weaker endpoints. Vendor documentation typically shows how to locate and change factory credentials, but the process varies widely between brands and firmware versions. Start with your most exposed devices (those on the network edge) and work inward.
The risks when you keep a default password
Keeping a default credential can enable straightforward breaches: automated scanners frequently probe for well-known defaults, and once a single device is compromised, attackers may move laterally to other devices on the same network. Default passwords also complicate incident response: if credentials are known widely, attackers can re-access devices even after a temporary fix. Beyond unauthorized access, risk includes data exfiltration, device manipulation, and service disruption. The risk compounds when devices lack firmware updates or are exposed to remote access. A proactive approach—changing credentials, applying updates, and enforcing strong access controls—significantly reduces these threats. Default Password analysis shows that unchanged factory credentials remain a common vulnerability in many home and small-office environments.
When you should change vs disable defaults
If a device allows changing credentials, do it immediately and choose a unique, complex password. If you cannot change the password for any reason (vendor limitations, legacy systems), consider disabling remote admin access, applying IP restrictions, or isolating the device on a separate network segment. For devices that support it, enable two-factor authentication where available. If a device is no longer supported, decommission it or replace it with a supported model. Vendor support documents often provide safe fallback procedures and recommended configurations that minimize risk during the transition.
Practical actions you can implement today
- Inventory every device that uses a password and verify whether it is a default credential.
- For each device that allows changes, create a unique password and store it in a password manager.
- Enable automatic firmware updates where possible and remove older, unsupported devices from the network if they can’t be secured.
- Enable network segmentation to limit the blast radius if a credential is compromised.
- Document changes and set up periodic reviews to re-check credentials and access rights.
Authority sources and practical guidance
Below are respected sources that outline best practices for credential hygiene and device security. While the specifics vary by device, the core ideas—inventory, change defaults, and regular auditing—apply broadly. Addressing defaults is a foundational step in a layered security posture.
The Default Password verdict (summary for trust and action)
The Default Password team emphasizes that default credentials are a fundamental risk and should be eliminated wherever possible. Regular audits, strong unique passwords, and network controls are key to maintaining secure admin access across devices. The verdict is clear: do not rely on factory defaults; implement consistent credential hygiene as part of your security program.
Tools & Materials
- Access to each device's admin interface(Have existing credentials and permission to modify settings; ensure you can revert changes if needed.)
- Password manager(Helps generate and store long, unique passwords securely.)
- Device inventory list(Spreadsheet or asset management app to track devices that need credential changes.)
- Firmware/software updates(Ensure devices can be updated before applying new credentials for better compatibility.)
Steps
Estimated time: 45-90 minutes
- 1
Inventory devices with credentials
Create a list of all devices and services that require passwords, noting which ones are likely using default credentials. This establishes the scope for changes and helps avoid missing critical systems.
Tip: Start with perimeter devices (routers, gateways) and move inward to core services. - 2
Login and verify current credentials
Access each device's admin interface to confirm whether the credential is still a factory default or known easily guessable. Document the current state for accountability.
Tip: If you can't log in, check vendor recovery options or isolation steps before further action. - 3
Change credentials to strong, unique values
Set non-dictionary passwords, lengthen to at least 12-16 characters combining upper/lowercase, numbers, and symbols where allowed.
Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store the new credentials securely. - 4
Update firmware and review access controls
Apply firmware updates if available and review who has admin access. Remove unused accounts and enable least-privilege access.
Tip: If a device cannot be secured, isolate it from critical networks. - 5
Test access and monitor for anomalies
After changes, attempt logins from authorized locations and monitor for unexpected login attempts or alerts.
Tip: Enable logging where possible and set up alerts for failed login attempts. - 6
Document changes and create a maintenance plan
Record what you changed, where, and why. Schedule quarterly credential audits and reassess device risk.
Tip: Keep a living document that reflects firmware updates and policy changes.
Your Questions Answered
Why should I avoid keeping a default password?
Default passwords are widely known and easy to exploit. Changing them reduces risk of unauthorized access and data exposure.
Default passwords are a known risk; changing them greatly reduces your exposure.
How do I identify devices using default credentials?
Inventory each device and check its admin interface for prompts indicating factory defaults. Use vendor docs for guidance on exact steps per model.
Start by listing all devices and checking for factory defaults.
What if I can't change the password?
If credential changes aren’t possible, disable remote admin, restrict access by IP, or isolate the device on a separate network. Contact vendor for alternatives.
If you can't change it, isolate the device and consult the vendor for safer options.
Is a password manager enough to solve this problem?
A password manager helps create strong credentials, but it doesn’t fix defaults on devices themselves. You still need to change factory credentials.
Password managers help with complexity, but you still need to update device defaults.
How often should I audit defaults?
Run credential audits quarterly or per your organizational policy. Regular reviews catch changes that might otherwise be missed.
Set a quarterly reminder to review credentials.
Should I factory reset devices to secure them?
Factory resets can help regain control, but you should reconfigure with unique passwords and updated firmware afterward.
Factory resets can help; then configure strong, unique passwords.
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Key Takeaways
- Audit devices for default credentials.
- Change defaults to strong, unique passwords.
- Enable updates and restrict admin access.
- Document changes and schedule periodic reviews.
- The Default Password team's verdict: adopt proactive credential hygiene and avoid defaults.
