Changing the default password might seem like an obvious step, but many customers don’t do it, leaving their devices vulnerable to hackers and malware.
Changing the default password is one of the simplest and most important measures to protect your video surveillance cameras from cyberattacks. Even amateur hackers can access your devices if you fail to change the passwords that companies provide. Several reports have shown that one of the major reasons for cybersecurity breaches on physical security devices is default passwords.
Changing the default password might seem like an obvious step, but the bitter truth is that many customers don’t do it, leaving their devices vulnerable to hackers and malware. In many cases, customers are unaware of the concept of default passwords, and not all systems integrators make an effort to let them know of its importance.
But before changing the default CCTV password, it is essential that customers know what they are. Unfortunately, finding the default password is often not easy without reading the entire user manual. This article will make your life easier, presenting the default passwords of major video surveillance camera brands. We recommend using complex passwords that have no resemblance to the default ones.
Default surveillance camera passwords
ACTi
Username: admin/123456 or
Password: Admin/123456
Amcrest
Username: admin/
Password: admin
American Dynamics
Username: admin/admin
Password: admin/9999
Arecont Vision
Username: admin
Password: admin
AvertX
Username: admin
Password: 1234
Avigilon
Username: admin
Password: admin
Axis Communications
Historically the default password was “root”, and the password was “pass”. But in new Axis cameras, you would need to make a password in the first login. For ONVIF access, the “root/pass” combination could be used, but to log into the camera, you would need to create a root password.
Basler
Username: admin
Password: admin
Bosch
Default usernames and passwords are not required for Bosch cameras, but you will be asked to make new passwords in the latest firmware.
Brickcom
Username: admin
Password: admin
Canon
Username: root
Password: camera
Cisco
There is no default password - you will have to create a password during your first log in.
CP Plus
Username: admin
Password: password or admin
Dahua Technology
In the new models: you need to create a password during the first login.
In older devices: username: admin, password: admin
Digital Watchdog
Username: admin
Password: admin
D-Link
Username: admin
Password: <blank>
DRS
Username: admin
Password: 1234
DVTel
Username: Admin
Password: 1234
DynaColor
Username: Admin
Password: 1234
FLIR
Username: admin
Password: fliradmin
FLIR (Dahua OEM)
Username: admin
Password: admin
FLIR (Quasar/Ariel)
Username: admin
Password: admin
Foscam
Username: admin
Password: <blank>
GeoVision
Username: admin
Password: admin
Grandstream
Username: admin
Password: admin
Hanwha
Username: admin
Password: there is no default password - you must create it during the initial setup
Hikvision Digital Technology
The latest firmware requires you to make a unique password. Earlier username and password were admin and 12345
Honeywell
Username: admin
Password: 1234
IndigoVision (Ultra)
No default password or username
IndigoVision (BX/GX)
Username: Admin
Password: 1234
Intellio
Username: admin
Password: admin
Interlogix
Username: admin
Password: 1234
IQinVision
Username: root
Password: system
IPX-DDK
Username: root
Password: admin or Admin
JVC
Username: admin
Password: jvc
Longse
Username: admin
Password: 12345
Lorex
Username: admin
Password: admin
LTS
Previously the combination was username: admin and password: 12345. Now you will need to create your unique password.
March Networks
Username: admin
Password: <blank>
Mobotix
Username: admin
Password: meinsm
Northern
Earlier, the combination was admin and 12345 but now requires you to make a new password.
Oncam
Username: admin
Password: admin
Panasonic
New firmware requires you to make your own password.
Pelco
You need to create your password
Pixord
Username: admin
Password: admin
Q-See
Username: admin
Password: admin or 123456
Reolink
Username: admin
Password: <blank>
Samsung Electronics
Username: root or admin
Password: root or 4321
Samsung Techwin (old)
Username: admin
Password: 1111111
Samsung (new)
New firmware prompts you to create a new password upon login. Earlier password and username were admin and 4321.
Sanyo
Username: admin
Password: admin
Scallop
Username: admin
Password: password
Sentry360 (mini)
Username: admin
Password: 1234
Sentry360 (pro)
No default username or password.
Sony
Username: admin
Password: admin
Speco
Username: admin
Password: 1234
Stardot
Username: admin
Password: admin
Starvedia
Username: admin
Password: <blank>
Sunell
Username: admin
Password: admin
SV3C
Username: admin
Password: 123456
Swann
Username: admin
Password: 12345
Trendnet
Username: admin
Password: admin
Toshiba
Username: root
Password: ikwd
VideoIQ
Username: supervisor
Password: supervisor
Vivotek
Username: root
Password: <blank>
Ubiquiti
Username: ubnt
Password: ubnt
Uniview
Username: admin
Password: 123456
W-Box (Hikvision OEM, old)
Username: admin
Password: wbox123
W-Box (Sunell OEM, new)
Username: admin
Password: admin
Wodsee
Username: admin
Password: <blank>
How to create a strong password
Fortunately, many manufacturers are now mandating the creation of unique passwords at first login. This could make sure that CCTV cameras don’t retain default passwords. However, customers should ensure that the new passwords they create are robust.
There are several factors to consider when creating a strong password. As a general rule, a combination of upper and lowercase characters, numbers, and special characters makes a good combination. But even when using such a combination, you need to remember the following points.
- Avoid using sequential letters or numbers like 1234 and abcd.
- Avoid using your birthday, birth year etc. These might be easy for you to remember but also easy for hackers to guess.
- Combine unrelated words and phrases that are difficult to guess.
- Don’t use dictionary words as they are. Mix them up with numbers and characters.
- Avoid storing passwords as documents or writing them down. Use password managers if needed.
- Avoid reusing passwords on different devices. If hackers figure out the password for one device, they will likely try the same on other devices.
Final word
Changing default passwords of cameras and other security devices is essential to avoid cybersecurity breaches. Many customers fail to do this, despite experts insisting on it.
We will keep this page updated as more manufacturers update their firmware and change their default password policies. If we have missed any company or have not updated any changes, do let us know in the comments or through our contact mail ID.