In the world of cybersecurity, few threats are as basic — or as dangerous — as default passwords. These easy-to-guess, manufacturer-issued credentials like “admin/admin” or “1234” are shockingly still found across industrial systems, routers, IoT devices, and critical infrastructure. And they’re one of the most exploited weaknesses by attackers.
Take the recent case of Iranian hackers breaching a small U.S. water facility. The attackers didn’t need sophisticated malware — they simply logged in using the default password “1111”, left unchanged by administrators. While the impact was limited, the message was clear: default passwords are an open door to potentially catastrophic cyberattacks.
What Are Default Passwords — And Why Are They Still a Problem?
Default passwords are factory-set credentials programmed into hardware or software to simplify initial setup and deployment. They are intended to be changed upon installation — but in many cases, they aren’t.
Why they persist:
- Devices are shipped in bulk with identical credentials for provisioning convenience.
- IT teams forget or neglect to update them after deployment.
- Legacy systems lack the ability to require password changes.
- Manufacturers prioritize usability over security, shipping insecure-by-default products.
Despite years of warnings, default credentials remain widespread — from industrial controllers to surveillance systems to smart TVs.
Real-World Risks: The Consequences of Leaving Default Passwords Intact
Default passwords are a favorite target of cybercriminals. Why? Because they provide easy, legitimate access that bypasses even the most advanced defenses. Once inside, attackers can escalate privileges, move laterally, and wreak havoc — all without raising immediate red flags.
Notable Examples:
• The Mirai Botnet
This notorious malware exploited default passwords across thousands of IoT devices to create a massive botnet. The result? A 1 Tbps DDoS attack that took down Twitter, Netflix, and other major platforms in 2016.
• Supply Chain Infiltration
Hackers often breach OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) devices that still use default credentials. These become pivot points into broader supply chains, allowing attackers to infiltrate critical networks with minimal effort.
• Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
Facilities controlling utilities, energy, or manufacturing systems are increasingly targeted. Unchanged default passwords provide a simple vector for disabling services, stealing sensitive data, or launching ransomware attacks.
Business Impacts: The Hidden Cost of Default Credentials
The damage from a default-password breach isn’t limited to just technical disruptions. It ripples across the business with financial, regulatory, and reputational consequences.
The Business Fallout:
- Brand Damage: Headlines about hacked systems due to weak credentials erode customer trust and damage public perception.
- Regulatory Penalties: Non-compliance with cybersecurity standards like California’s IoT law, NIST SP 800-53, or the EU Cyber Resilience Act can result in significant fines.
- Operational Downtime: Emergency response, incident containment, forensic analysis, and system restoration are time-consuming and expensive.
- Litigation & Recalls: A breach linked to default credentials could trigger product recalls or even class-action lawsuits.
Five Secure-by-Design Practices Manufacturers Must Adopt
The only long-term fix is eliminating default passwords at the source. That means manufacturers must embed security into the product lifecycle, not bolt it on as an afterthought.
1. Unique Per-Device Credentials
Generate and assign random, strong passwords for every unit before it leaves the factory. Print these securely on device labels or include in sealed documentation.
2. Password Rotation at First Boot
Implement APIs that force password changes upon initial setup — turning insecure default credentials into a temporary step, not a vulnerability.
3. Zero Trust Onboarding
Require secure, out-of-band user authentication (e.g., QR-code scans linked to verified accounts) before granting device access.
4. Firmware Verification
Digitally sign all credential modules and verify their integrity at boot time to prevent unauthorized backdoor creation or credential resets.
5. Developer Education & Security Audits
Train development teams on secure coding practices, and scan all firmware releases to catch credential issues before deployment.
What Organizations Can Do Today
While the onus should be on manufacturers, IT teams must also take immediate steps to protect their environments from default-password threats.
Proactive Measures for IT & Security Teams:
- Change all default credentials upon installation.
- Maintain an inventory of all networked devices — including legacy, IoT, and OT assets.
- Automate password rotation across systems wherever possible.
- Conduct regular audits and use vulnerability scanning tools to detect default credentials in use.
- Apply segmentation to isolate critical devices from broader networks.
The Regulatory Shift: Default Passwords Are Now Illegal in Some Jurisdictions
Governments are no longer sitting idle. Legislations are increasingly outlawing the use of default credentials altogether.
🚨 Examples:
- UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) Act: Bans default passwords in consumer-connected products starting in 2024.
- California’s SB-327: Requires “reasonable security” in connected devices, specifically banning hard-coded or universally shared passwords.
- EU’s Cyber Resilience Act: Targets all digital products with mandatory security requirements — including credential management.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Say Goodbye to Default Passwords
Default passwords are a relic of the past — and a liability in the present. Whether you’re a manufacturer shipping smart devices or an IT admin managing a network of IoT systems, the message is clear:
🛑 If it ships with a default password, it ships with a vulnerability.
🛡️ Change them. Replace them. Or eliminate them entirely.
At Securis360, we help manufacturers and enterprises implement secure-by-design strategies to proactively harden their environments. Don’t wait until a hacker logs in with “admin123.” Take action today.
Want help auditing your network for default credentials or securing your manufacturing systems?
Reach out to Securis360 for a security assessment today.