Why It Is Important to Change Default Usernames and Passwords on Devices

Why changing default usernames and passwords matters

Why is it important to change default usernames and passwords on devices? The short answer is simple: unchanged credentials create an easily exploitable entry point for attackers. According to Default Password, devices often arrive with default credentials that users or admins fail to update. When criminals gain access through a single weak credential, they may pivot to other devices on the network, access sensitive information, or impersonate trusted management services. This creates a chain reaction that can compromise home networks, small offices, and larger environments. Changing a single login pair dramatically lowers risk because most automated attacks rely on known defaults as easy entry points. The goal is to move from a predictable baseline to a fortress of unique identities across every device. This reduces the chance of credential stuffing and brute force success and buys time for detection and response.

In practice, you are not just protecting one device—you are defending an ecosystem. When you change defaults, you also reduce the likelihood that an attacker will map your entire home or office network and compromise multiple devices in one sweep. This is why changing defaults is often one of the simplest yet most effective security steps you can take daily. For end users and IT admins alike, the message is clear: defaults are convenient, but they are not safe. Protect yourself by creating a strong, unique credential for each device and keeping it out of public view.

In short, changing default credentials is a foundational security habit. It establishes a barrier that makes unauthorized access slower and more difficult, giving you time to detect suspicious activity and respond. It is a practical first step in a broader security routine that includes regular updates, segmentation, and monitoring.

The scope of the problem across devices

The problem spans a wide range of devices that households and organizations rely on daily. Routers and modems are common gateways to your network and often ship with admin accounts that can be exploited if left unchanged. Network attached storage devices, printers, cameras, smart TVs, and many IoT gadgets can also expose default usernames and passwords. Even software applications and web interfaces used for device management may come with default admin accounts that attackers can target if not altered. The breadth of devices means a single weak credential can compromise more than one component of a network, enabling attackers to pivot from one device to another. This underscores why a holistic approach—changing defaults across all devices and keeping credentials unique and robust—is essential for comprehensive security.

An effective strategy includes inventorying all devices on the network, identifying where defaults exist, and prioritizing changes based on exposure. For example, internet-facing devices or those with remote management enabled should be moved higher on the list. In practice, this means creating a routine that audits devices for default credentials during onboarding and at regular intervals. A proactive posture reduces risk and aligns with security best practices recommended by IT governance frameworks.

For defenders, the message is straightforward: defaults are often the low-hanging fruit for attackers. By removing or altering these defaults, you close a common entry point and force would-be intruders to expend more effort, increasing the chances that any intrusion attempts are detected and blocked before damage occurs.

How attackers exploit default credentials

Attackers frequently rely on default credentials because they are easy to discover and exploit. Automated tools and botnets are designed to probe devices for known username and password combinations, particularly on remote interfaces, exposed management consoles, and poorly segmented networks. Once a default credential is discovered, an attacker can gain access, gather information about the device and network, and often move laterally to compromise additional systems. Default Password analysis, 2026 highlights that such defaults remain a common tactic in many breach attempts, underscoring the need to replace them as soon as possible. Some attackers also use credential stuffing where knowledge of a single default credential can unlock access across several devices that share the same login data.

Another risk is the exposure of administrative interfaces to the internet. If default credentials are still active, attackers can attempt brute force attacks from anywhere, potentially gaining remote control of devices. This can lead to sensitive information leaks, misconfiguration, or use of devices as footholds for broader intrusions into a network. The practical implication is that changing defaults not only protects a single device but also reduces the risk to the entire environment by limiting attackers’ opportunities and increasing the difficulty of unauthorized access.

In sum, default credentials are a critical weak point. By removing these predictable entry points, you join a broader defense-in-depth strategy that includes strong passwords, regular software updates, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring. The goal is not to rely on luck but to implement deliberate controls that make unauthorized access substantially harder.

Step by step: how to change defaults on common device types

Changing defaults requires a practical, device-specific approach. Below are general steps that apply to many common devices, with notes where the options may vary by brand or model:

• Routers and gateways
  • Access the device admin interface, typically via a web URL like http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1. Log in with the current credentials (often printed on the label on the device).
  • Change the admin username if the device supports it; if not, create a strong, unique password and disable remote management where possible.
  • Create a new strong password that is lengthy, uses a mix of characters, and is not reused elsewhere. Avoid common phrases or predictable patterns.
  • Save changes and reboot if required. Update firmware to close security gaps that defaults may accompany.
  • Consider enabling a guest network for visitors and turning off UPnP if not needed.
• Printers and multifunction devices
  • Access the printer’s embedded web server, usually via its IP address.
  • Change the admin password and, if available, set separate user roles with restricted permissions.
  • Disable remote management if you do not need it, and ensure the device is on a protected network segment.
  • Update firmware to address vulnerabilities tied to old defaults.
• IoT cameras and smart devices
  • Use the manufacturer’s app or web interface to change the default login credentials.
  • Create a unique username if supported; otherwise, focus on a strong password and enable two-factor authentication when offered.
  • Disable default services that you do not need, and ensure cloud-based connections are secured with strong credentials.
• Network-attached storage and servers
  • Change the admin login, create a dedicated administrator account, and restrict remote access to trusted networks.
  • Enforce strong password policies and enable 2FA if the device supports it. Regularly review access logs for unusual activity.

If a device does not allow a username change, strengthen the account password, disable remote access, and restrict management to an administrative IP range. In all cases, document the changes and maintain a record of device credentials in a secure location such as a password manager.

When you cannot change the username

Some devices intentionally do not permit changing the default username. In these cases, you must compensate with stronger password protection and tighter access controls. Start by replacing the default password with a unique, long passphrase, and enable two-factor authentication where possible. If remote management is enabled, restrict it to specific IP addresses or disable it entirely when not needed. Create separate user accounts for daily use and for administrators if the device supports multiple roles. Regularly review access privileges and disable any accounts that are no longer needed. When a username cannot be altered, the security emphasis shifts toward robust password hygiene, network segmentation, and ongoing monitoring to detect unusual login attempts. These steps reduce risk and help prevent credential-based intrusions.

Best practices for selecting usernames and passwords

A strong credential strategy goes beyond the password alone. Consider these best practices:

• Use unique usernames that do not reveal personal information or predictable roles. Avoid easily guessable patterns tied to your name or organization.
• Create long, complex passwords or passphrases. A passphrase that combines random words, numbers, and symbols is effective and memorable when stored securely.
• Do not reuse passwords across devices or services. If a breach occurs, reused credentials can cascade through multiple systems.
• Where possible, separate admin accounts from regular user accounts to limit the impact of a compromised password.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for devices and services that support it. If 2FA is not available, improve security with device-based access controls and network segmentation.
• Change credentials on a recommended cadence or after any indication of compromise.

These practices reduce the odds of successful intrusions and make it harder for attackers to maintain access if they gain initial entry.

The role of password hygiene and multi-factor authentication

Password hygiene and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are foundational to modern device security. MFA adds a second verification step, such as a time-based code or a hardware token, which makes it significantly harder for attackers to impersonate legitimate users even if they obtain a password. When MFA is not available on a device, you should compensate with even stronger passwords, strict access control, and regular monitoring.

Additionally, consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for every device. Password managers help you avoid password reuse, track expiration, and quickly rotate credentials without relying on memory alone. For teams, centralized password management supports auditing and policy enforcement. By combining strong credentials with MFA and careful device governance, you can create a much more resilient security posture across the entire device ecosystem.

IT governance: device inventory and baseline security

Effective security starts with governance. Build a device inventory that lists every router, printer, camera, NAS, and smart device on the network. For each item, record current credentials, firmware version, and exposure risk. Establish a baseline security policy requiring default credential changes within a defined timeframe and enforce it through automated checks when possible. Regular vulnerability scans and configuration audits should target devices with known defaults and exposed services. Training staff and users to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering that might lead to credential disclosure completes the security loop. In practice, governance involves ongoing vigilance: track changes, verify compliance, and update procedures as devices and networks evolve. A disciplined approach helps ensure that the defaults do not become routine vulnerabilities waiting to be exploited.

Quick-start checklist you can apply today

• Take an inventory of all network devices and identify those with default credentials.
• Change admin usernames where the device supports it, or create a strong password and disable unnecessary remote access.
• Use long, unique passwords or passphrases for every device; avoid sharing credentials across devices.
• Enable 2FA whenever available and install the latest firmware updates.
• Segment networks to limit the blast radius of any potential compromise.
• Use a password manager to store credentials securely and rotate them as needed.
• Document changes and establish a periodic review cadence for credential hygiene.
• Train users and admins on recognizing social engineering attempts that could reveal credentials.
• Schedule regular vulnerability scans and review access logs for unusual activity.

The Default Password team recommends implementing these steps promptly to reduce risk and strengthen your overall security posture.