Kali Linux is one of the most popular operating systems for ethical hacking and penetration testing as it comes loaded with a variety of tools and features that make it easier for developers and security enthusiasts to detect vulnerabilities and test the security of networks, systems, and applications. As a Kali Linux user, you may need to change your user password from time to time for security reasons or if you suspect that your password may have been compromised. In this blog post, we will show you how to change user password in Kali Linux using three different methods.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Change User Password in Kali Linux
Changing user password in Kali Linux can be a bit challenging, especially for new users who have just switched from other operating systems like Windows or macOS. The command-line interface (CLI) used in Kali Linux may seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will find that it is actually very powerful and efficient. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of changing your user password using three different methods.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we start, there are a few things that you need to prepare for:
1. You should have access to the root account or sudo privileges.
2. You should know the current password of the user account that you want to change the password for.
3. You should choose a strong password that is difficult to guess and contains a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Method 1: Changing User Password Using the passwd Command
Changing the user password using the passwd command is one of the easiest and most straightforward methods. Follow the steps given below:
1. Open the terminal in Kali Linux by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + T keys together.
2. Type the following command in the terminal and hit Enter:
"`
sudo passwd
"`
3. Enter the current password for your user account when prompted.
4. Enter the new password when prompted and then re-enter it to confirm.
5. The password will be changed immediately.
Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Quick and efficient.
Cons:
– You need root or sudo privileges to use this command.
Method 2: Changing User Password Using the Usermod Command
The usermod command is another way of changing the user password in Kali Linux. Follow the steps given below:
1. Open the terminal in Kali Linux by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + T keys together.
2. Type the following command in the terminal and hit Enter, replacing username with the name of the user account that you want to change the password for:
"`
sudo usermod -p `mkpasswd newpassword` username
"`
3. Replace newpassword with the new password that you want to set for the user account.
4. The user password will be changed immediately.
Pros:
– Offers more options than the passwd command.
– You can change other user properties in addition to the password.
Cons:
– More complicated than the passwd method.
Method 3: Changing User Password Using the GUI Interface
If you are not comfortable with using the command-line interface, Kali Linux also provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that you can use to change the user password. Follow the steps given below:
1. Click on the "Applications" menu on the top left corner of your screen.
2. Navigate to the "Settings" option and click on it.
3. Click on the "Users" option.
4. Click on your user account.
5. Click on the "Unlock" button and enter your root password or the sudo password.
6. Click on the "Password" section and enter your new password, then click "Change."
Pros:
– Familiar interface for those who prefer a more graphical experience.
– Easy to use.
Cons:
– Limited options compared to the command-line methods.
Why Can’t I Change User Password in Kali Linux?
Here are some of the reasons why you may not be able to change your user password in Kali Linux and how to fix them:
1. You don’t have root or sudo privileges: To use the passwd and usermod commands, you need to be logged in as the root user or a user with sudo privileges. To fix this, log in as the root user or ask your system administrator to grant you sudo privileges.
2. Incorrect syntax: Make sure that you are typing the commands correctly and using the right options. Check your spelling and make sure that you have followed all the steps correctly.
3. Locked user account: If your user account is locked, you may not be able to change your password. To fix this, log in as the root user and unlock the user account using the following command:
"`
sudo usermod -U username
"`
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you change your user password in Kali Linux:
1. Always choose a strong and unique password that is difficult to guess or crack.
2. Change your password regularly to minimize the risk of your account being compromised.
3. Use a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
5 FAQs about Changing User Password in Kali Linux
Q1: What is the difference between the passwd and usermod commands?
A: The passwd command is used to change the password of a user account, while the usermod command is used to modify various properties of a user account, including the password.
Q2: Can I change the password of another user account?
A: Yes, as long as you have root or sudo privileges, you can change the password of another user account using the passwd or usermod command.
Q3: What should I do if I forget my user password?
A: If you forget your user password, you can log in as the root user and reset the user password using one of the methods mentioned above.
Q4: How often should I change my user password?
A: It is recommended to change your user password at least once every three months.
Q5: What are some best practices for creating a strong password?
A: Some best practices for creating a strong password include using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters, avoiding commonly used passwords and personal information, and using a password manager to securely store and manage your passwords.
In Conclusion
Changing your user password in Kali Linux is an essential best practice to keep your system secure and minimize the risk of your account being compromised. In this blog post, we have shown you three different methods to change your user password using the command-line interface and the graphical user interface. Whichever method you choose, make sure to choose a strong and unique password and change it regularly.
