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Asked: 2024-09-27T06:32:31+05:30 In:

What steps should I follow to update the root password in an Ubuntu operating system?

I’ve been working on this Ubuntu machine for a while now, and I think it’s time to tighten up the security a bit. I’ve been using the same root password since I set it up, and I’m a little freaked out thinking it could be compromised. I want to update the root password, but I’ve never done it before, and I’m not entirely sure what steps I should follow.

I’ve read a few things online, but the instructions seemed a bit complicated, and I’m worried I might mess something up. I’m used to the terminal and everything, but I really don’t want to lock myself out or break anything. I’m also not sure if I need to be logged in as root to make this change or if I can use my regular account with sudo privileges.

Is there a specific command I should be using, or do I need to go through the long process of manually editing files? I came across some posts that mentioned using “passwd” but didn’t go into detail, and I want to make sure I’m not missing any crucial steps.

Also, I was thinking: what if I forget the new password right after? Is there any way to recover it? That thought makes me a bit nervous, honestly! Or are there best practices you guys recommend for creating a strong password?

Would really appreciate any insights from those who have gone through this process! What do you typically do when updating your root password? Any tips and tricks to make it smoother? I’m all ears for your experiences or even for a step-by-step rundown if you have the time to share. Thanks!

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    2 Answers


    1. Updating your root password on an Ubuntu machine is a straightforward process, and you can do it without logging in as the root user by using your account with sudo privileges. To change the root password, open your terminal and execute the command sudo passwd root. This will prompt you to enter your current user password (the one associated with your account that has sudo access) and then you’ll be prompted to enter the new root password twice for confirmation. Make sure to choose a strong password that includes a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Also, avoid using easily guessable passwords or ones you’ve used before. If at any point you feel uncertain, it can be beneficial to double-check your inputs, as any mistake might prevent the password from updating successfully.

      As for recovering the root password, if you happen to forget it, you’ll typically have to boot into recovery mode to reset it, which can be a bit complex if you’re not experienced. To avoid this situation, consider creating a secure password manager or using a technique to remember strong passwords, such as creating a memorable phrase. If you’re worried about forgetting your password, jot down hints that might jog your memory without being too obvious. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication can boost your security. As you update your root password, it might be an excellent time to also review other security practices, such as limiting root access and ensuring your system is up-to-date with security patches.




    2. Updating Root Password on Ubuntu

      How to Change Root Password in Ubuntu

      Changing your root password is a really smart move! Here’s a simple way to do it without getting too complicated. You can use a terminal to do this, and it’s pretty straightforward.

      Step-by-Step Instructions

      1. Open your terminal. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” or using the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T.
      2. Type the following command to update the root password:
        3. sudo passwd root
      3. You’ll be prompted to enter your current password (the one you use to log in to your regular account with sudo). Type it in and hit Enter.
      4. Next, you’ll be asked to enter the new password for the root user. Make sure it’s something strong and memorable! Type it in and hit Enter.
      5. Then, retype the new password to confirm. Once you do that, you should see a message that says “password updated successfully.”

      Some Tips for Keeping Your Password Safe

      • Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols to make it strong. Something like $tr0ngP@ssw0rd! is good!
      • Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords, in case you forget them.
      • Write it down and keep it somewhere safe, at least until you remember it well.

      What If You Forget the Password?

      If you forget the password, don’t panic! You can reset the root password by booting into recovery mode. Here’s a quick way:

      1. Restart your machine.
      2. When the GRUB menu appears, highlight your Ubuntu option and press e.
      3. Find the line that starts with linux, and at the end, add init=/bin/bash.
      4. Press F10 to boot. It’ll give you a bash shell.
      5. Now, type mount -o remount,rw / to remount the root filesystem in read-write mode.
      6. Then, use passwd to change the root password again!

      That’s about it! Just make sure to keep your new password safe this time. Good luck, and don’t worry too much; you got this!


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