For the default username and password, each Linux distribution has its own set of restrictions. Some will generate it for you, and most will have a short wizard on the first boot to walk you through the process. Kali Linux is not an exception, with its default user and password changing over time. Let’s go through everything you need to know about a new installation.
A user account is established during the first boot of the current version of Kali Linux. You can select your own username and password. So, under Kali Linux, there is no default password for the main user; it is the one you choose during installation.
Kali Linux Default Password
We know that Kali Linux modified all user policies after version 2020.1, so Kali Linux has two different default credentials that depend on the version, as follows:
- Any default operating system credentials used during Live Boot, or pre-created image (like Virtual Machines & ARM) will be:
- User:
kali - Password:
kali
- User:
- Vagrant image (based on their policy):
- Username:
vagrant - Password:
vagrant
- Username:
For version 2020.1 before:
- Username : root
- Password: toor
For version 2020.1 after:
- Username : kali
- Password: kali
Resetting Kali Linux Password:
Step 1: Boot Kali Linux
Let’s get started! First, start or restart your computer and make sure to select Kali Linux from the boot menu if you have other operating systems installed.
Step 2: Access GRUB Menu (Boot Loader)
As your system boots up, pay attention to the screen. Press and hold the Shift key (or Esc key on some systems) to access the GRUB menu. This will display a list of available kernels and boot options.
Step 3: Edit Boot Options
In the GRUB menu, find the entry for Kali Linux and press the “e” key. This will allow you to edit the boot options for that entry.
Step 4: Edit the Kernel Line
Now, locate the line that starts with “linux” or “linuxefi” and contains options like “ro” (read-only) and “quiet.” First change “ro” to “rw” Move your cursor to the end of that line.
Step 5: Add Single User Mode
To boot into single-user mode with root privileges, add the following parameter to the end of the line: init=/bin/bash.
Step 6: Boot into Single-User Mode
Once you’ve added the parameter, press “Ctrl + X” or the “F10” key to boot the system with the modified boot options. Your system will now start in single-user mode.
Step 7: Remount the File System
After booting into single-user mode, the root file system is mounted in read-only mode. To change this to read-write mode, enter the command: mount -o remount,rw /
Step 8: Change the Password
Now comes the crucial part – resetting the root password. Enter the command: passwd. Follow the on-screen instructions to set a new root password and confirm it.
Step 9: Restart the System Congratulations!
You’ve successfully changed the root password. To finalize the process, reboot the system using the command: reboot.
Step 10: Login with New Password
Once the system restarts, log in as the root user using the newly set password. You should now have full access to your Kali Linux system again.
How to change root password in kali linux
Kali Linux, renowned for its powerful security and penetration testing tools, is a favorite among cybersecurity enthusiasts. When using Kali Linux, it’s essential to understand how to manage your system securely.
One crucial aspect of this is changing the root password. Which grants superuser privileges and must be kept confidential to safeguard your system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the root password in Kali Linux, ensuring your system stays protected.
Step 1: Launching the Terminal
To begin, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Alternatively, you can find the terminal icon in the application launcher and click on it to open a new terminal window.
Step 2: Using the ‘passwd’ Command
In the terminal, type the following command:
sudo passwd rootThe passwd command is used to change the password for a user account, and by using sudo, we elevate our privileges to execute the command as a superuser.
Step 3: Enter Your User Password
After executing the command, the terminal will prompt you to enter your user password, which is the password you use to log in to your regular user account. Type it carefully and press Enter.
Step 4: Inputting the New Root Password
Now, you’ll be asked to enter the new root password. Remember that when you type the password, nothing will be displayed on the screen for security purposes. Just enter the new password and press Enter.
Step 5: Confirming the New Root Password
To ensure there are no typos or mistakes, you’ll be prompted to re-enter the new root password. Type it again and press Enter.
Step 6: Success Message
If all goes well, you should see a success message confirming that the root password has been updated successfully.
FAQs
1. Can I use any username I want?
Yes, you can choose any username you prefer, but ensure it adheres to best practices and does not include easily guessable information.
2. What should I do if I forget my new username and password?
If you forget the new credentials, you can reset them using the recovery mode and the root shell, as outlined in this article.
3. Is Kali Linux suitable for beginners in cybersecurity?
Kali Linux is a powerful tool, but it’s recommended for experienced users or those undergoing cybersecurity training.
4. Can I change the username and password for other user accounts in Kali Linux?
Yes, you can change the username and password for any user account with the appropriate administrative privileges.
5. Is it necessary to change the password regularly even if I am the only user of the system?
Yes, changing passwords regularly is a good security practice as it reduces the risk of long-term unauthorized access.
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