Changing user password

A step-by-step guide to changing a user's password

Protecting your data starts with securing passwords. Passwords are your first line of defense against cyber-attacks. In order to ensure the safety of your personal and sensitive information, it is important to understand the importance of changing your password frequently.

Changing your password on a regular basis is essential for maintaining the security of your accounts. By doing so, you minimize the risk of your password being compromised and decrease the chances of unauthorized access to your personal information.

But when should you change your password? The recommended frequency for changing passwords varies depending on the sensitivity of the information being protected.

In addition to changing your password regularly, it is equally important to follow best practices when choosing a password. Here are some guidelines to consider:

• 1. Complexity: Your password should be complex and difficult for others to guess. Avoid using common patterns or easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or sequential numbers.
• 2. Length: Longer passwords are generally more secure. Aim for a minimum of 8 characters, but the longer the better.
• 3. Combination: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make your password more complex and harder to crack.
• 4. Avoid dictionary words: Avoid using complete dictionary words in your password, as these can be easily guessed by hackers using automated tools.
• 5. Unique passwords: It is crucial to use different passwords for each of your online accounts. This ensures that if one password is compromised, your other accounts will remain secure.

By following these best practices and changing your password regularly, you can significantly enhance the security of your personal information and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber-attacks. Protecting your data starts with securing passwords, so make sure to prioritise password security in your online activities.

Step to step guide to changing user password

Changing the password for the current user is done using the password command, which has the following syntax:

$ passwd
Changing password for user test.
Changing password for test.
(current) UNIX password: [current password is entered]
New password: [enter new password]
Retype new password: [repeat new password]
passwd: all authentication tokens updated successfully.

It is also possible to change the password for another user, for this you need sudo rights (in the example, the command is executed as root user)

Changing password for user test.
New password: [new password is entered]
Retype new password: [new password is repeated
passwd: all authentication tokens updated successfully.

Conclusion

Changing your password is crucial to safeguard your accounts from unauthorized access. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully change your password and enhance your online security. Remember to regularly update your password and never share it with anyone.