In order to give you some basic security against malicious attacks, here are three crucial default passwords that you should change ASAP.
It’s tedious to use and change passwords, but they are vital. Many people want to avoid using passwords wherever allowed. They are content to rely on default settings or the same password for all of their accounts, which is logical. However, if you do this, your data and computer are vulnerable to malware or hackers.
This is by no means an adequate level of protection. However, it’s a crucial security layer and the first of many to be added. Furthermore, changing passwords is a fairly easy process and well worth the effort.
1. Change your Windows Administrator password, assuming you have one.
The Windows Administrator does not come with a default password. This is a good thing. While setting up Windows, the user is prompted to create a password for the Administrator account. One method of completing this stage is to just leave the password box blank.
Most of the time, if you bought a computer that came with Windows pre-installed, you did not have to complete a user setup when you initially booted into your new system. In that case, your Administrator account does not require any sort of login information. This sounds convenient.
What’s the point of updating passwords?
Consider the following possibility. Anyone with the most basic computer abilities and access to your computer may log into the Administrator account and take control of your computer.
Note that this is not strictly limited to those who have physical access to your computer. It’s possible for malware or hackers to take advantage of a blank Administrator password. After that, it’s possible to cause havoc on your system.
Windows 7 and Windows Vista do not by default enable the Administrator account. This also is a good security feature. You can, however, enable it and establish a password for it.
For Windows XP users, you can either boot into Safe Mode or press the [CTRL] + [ALT] + [DEL] key sequence twice on the Windows welcome screen to access the Safe Mode menu. Once you have logged in as Administrator, change the Administrator password by going to > Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > Administrator Password.
2. Change the password for your router.
Routers all come with default login credentials. If you know the router manufacturer and model number, it’s simple to look up the login information.
If you need to search for the access data for your local router, you should do so right away. Once you have the info, go into your router and reset the password immediately.
The good news is that, in most cases, only people who are already connected to your network are able to see your router configuration.
However, it’s still possible to hack into your network. An intruder who gains access to your router has the ability to modify or look up your WiFi key. After that, they can connect to your network, and intercept your network traffic.
It should go without saying that you should also encrypt your WiFi connection with a secure network key. Use WPA or WPA-2, to prevent unauthorized access. Avoid confusion in the future. While you are logged into your router, check to see if WPA encryption is enabled, and if it isn’t, go ahead and turn it on.
3. Change your One-Time Password that works for everyone.
If you use a single “default” password for all of your accounts, you are putting yourself and your accounts at risk.
Make your password more difficult to crack. For example, a natural language password is subject to a dictionary attack. In addition, a password that is based on personal data, such as your postal code, phone number, or a date that is relevant to you are all easy targets for hackers.
Why should you frequently update your passwords?
First, your data is important and valuable to you. Passwords are a powerful defense against hackers of all kinds. Always make a point of using a unique password for each and every account that holds valuable (personal and/or professional) data. Email, bank, and social media accounts are examples of accounts that fall under this category.
Second, hackers are constantly changing their tactics. In return, we must change our approach to defense. Make sure that all of your accounts have a secure password. See that it is both impossible to guess and difficult to hack. However, this means that the password will most likely be difficult to remember. There are password managers available to overcome this difficulty!
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