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Asked: 2024-09-25T16:42:45+05:30 In: ,

What is the standard password set for PostgreSQL upon installation?

So, I’ve been diving into PostgreSQL lately and I realized something that left me scratching my head. You know how when you install a new piece of software and it often comes with a default password? Well, I’m curious—what’s the standard password for PostgreSQL right after you install it?

I mean, it’s one of those things that you assume everyone knows, but when you actually start digging into it, it’s like a little rabbit hole. I set up a fresh installation recently, and I was feeling pretty confident about getting everything set up, but then the whole password situation hit me. Do you just hit “Enter,” or is there actually a specific password that everyone is supposed to use?

I’ve heard some whispers in online forums where people say that the default is often something super basic, but that seems risky for something like a database, right? I can’t imagine they would leave it wide open for just anyone to access with no security in place. And then there’s always that lingering question about whether it’s really safe to stick with the default password or if I should be changing it right away.

Speaking of security, I remember chatting with some friends who are also into databases, and one of them mentioned something about making sure to change the password as soon as possible. But I can’t remember if he was referring to PostgreSQL specifically or just database security in general. If there’s a standard password upon installation, that feels like a major oversights waiting to happen if it’s not changed.

So, I’m really interested to hear from anyone who’s more experienced with PostgreSQL: what’s the deal? What should I expect when I install PostgreSQL for the first time? Is the default password something I should be aware of, and how critical is it to change it immediately?

Let’s pool our knowledge here! What has your experience been with this?

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    2 Answers



    1. PostgreSQL Default Password Info

      PostgreSQL Default Password Dilemma

      When you install PostgreSQL, there actually isn’t a default password for the “postgres” user, which is the superuser account. Instead, during the installation process, you’re typically prompted to set a password yourself. So, if you just hit “Enter” during that prompt, you might end up with no password at all, which definitely isn’t secure!

      In most cases, if you’re following a guide or tutorial, the standard practice is to create a strong password right away—don’t rely on any defaults, because they don’t really exist. If you leave it blank or set a super-simple password, you’re leaving the database wide open for anyone to access, which is a huge security risk.

      As for the advice to change the password immediately, that’s something you should definitely take to heart! Even if you set a password during install, it’s a good habit to change it regularly. Keeping strong, unique passwords is essential for keeping your data safe, especially in something as important as a database.

      If you want to manage your users and their respective passwords effectively, getting familiar with functions like ALTER USER can be super handy.

      So, long story short, no default password after you install PostgreSQL, but definitely make sure you set a strong one during the setup process and consider changing it regularly for better security!


    2. When you install PostgreSQL for the first time, it typically does not set a default password for the superuser account (commonly named ‘postgres’). Instead, during the installation process, you’re often prompted to create a password for this user. If you skip this step or leave it blank, it will be up to your operating system’s authentication methods, which can vary based on the environment (e.g., local installation vs. server configuration). Be aware that if the ‘postgres’ user password is left blank or weak, it could pose significant security risks. Therefore, it’s critical to choose a strong password during installation to protect your database from unauthorized access.

      Post-installation, changing the password for the ‘postgres’ user or any other database users is an essential security practice. Leaving default or easily guessable passwords for any of your database users can lead to potential vulnerabilities, as anyone familiar with PostgreSQL could attempt to gain access. Many experienced database administrators recommend implementing strong password policies, regularly updating passwords, and using additional security measures, such as enabling SSL connections or setting up role-based access controls. Your friends are correct; ensuring the security of your database by modifying default settings is a best practice that cannot be overlooked.

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