Is there a default authentication/security password for Linux Ubuntu 12.10 Desktop?

Question

Often my Ubuntu OS asks for an authentication password for security. It used to be my user account password, and it worked fine. It is a long one though, and I was getting annoyed by having to type it in so often. So I went into System Settings>User Accounts and set my user password to none, thinking it would just ask yes or no like Windows. To my surprise, it still asked for an authentication password. So I typed in my previous password to see if it would accept it. Nothing. I then tried typing in my Wi-Fi password, my email password, admin, none, leaving it blank; everything, and it wouldn't accept anything! I tried to reset it but it asked for the current password, which is unknown to me. So what I need to know is, is there any sort of default password that is used, or is there any way for the current one to be recovered? I appreciate your time reading this, and thank you in advance.

Answer 1

The system is asking you for your ROOT password whenever you are attempting to do something that requires elevated privileges ... also, remember that Ubuntu blocks the root account by default.



Just because you disabled having to type in your USER pass to LOGIN, doesn't mean you don't have to authenticate a privilege escalation (by typing in the "root" password)....



So you're saying you forgot your own root password? (not the one for SU but the one for SUDO.,,because like I said Ubuntu disabled the root account by default).. you will have to try to remember it.. try to guess it... or you can try to crack it... I can't really tell you about how to crack it but you can look into a dictionary attack or brute force attack for something basic and simple.

Answer 2

Ok, in Ubuntu the root password does not exist in a meaningful form. To have root privileges you are supposed to use sudo.

So it is possible to have automatic login, (look at this link http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2012/05/solve-six-common-gripes-with-ubuntu-12-04) BUT to prevent other people accessing your internet passwords, email passwords, document encryption data and bank account details that your browser may save for you etc, there is another secret store called the "Default Keyring". This is actually needed for most internet activity, so you are asked for an authentication to allow this access. To offset this it is possible to login as a guest.



SO what does this mean? you have to reset your default key ring password...

Go to your dash (if using Unity), enter Pass and look for the item "Password and Encryption Keys"

select this and look at the passwords item, right click and change the password here.



If you can not even get to the desktop...then the thing to do first is to reset your login password.

Reboot. On bootup go to the recovery console

you will be dropped to a root shell

type in: -

passwd e.g. passwd connie

Then enter the new password twice

then type in

sync

reboot



Then your should be able to login again

Answer 3

YES!