Default password

A default password is the password a device or account comes with from the factory, such as admin, password or 12345. Many routers, cameras, printers and smart devices used to share the same default password across every unit, and lists of these are freely available online. Criminals run automated scans to find devices still using them and take control. Always change a default password during setup to a strong, unique one. Newer devices often come with a unique password printed on a label, and the UK's product security law has banned universal default passwords on new consumer smart devices since April 2024.