What is the Default Password for EC2-User?
The most common question about EC2 instances is: "What is the default password for the ec2-user?". The answer, however, is a bit more complex than just a simple password.
EC2-User and SSH Keys
The ec2-user is a default user account created on Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) instances. This user is designed for administrative tasks and accessing the instance via SSH. However, it's important to understand that there is no default password for the ec2-user account.
Instead of a password, Amazon EC2 relies on SSH keys for secure access to instances. When you launch an EC2 instance, you can choose to provide a public key that will be used to authenticate the ec2-user account. This key is paired with a private key, which you keep securely stored.
How to Access Your EC2 Instance
- Generate a Key Pair: If you haven't already, you need to generate a key pair using tools like
ssh-keygen. - Associate the Public Key: Upload the public key you generated to the EC2 instance. This can be done during instance launch or afterwards using the AWS console.
- Connect via SSH: Use the private key you generated to connect to your EC2 instance using the SSH command with the
-iflag. For example:
ssh -i "path/to/your/private/key.pem" ec2-user@your_instance_public_ip
Remember: Never share your private key with anyone. Treat it like a password.
Why There is No Default Password
The lack of a default password for ec2-user promotes security. Using SSH keys eliminates the possibility of someone guessing or brute forcing the password. It also reduces the risk of compromised credentials.
What if I Forget My Key?
If you forget your private key, you'll need to create a new key pair and associate it with your EC2 instance. You'll then need to use this new key for SSH access. It's essential to keep your private key secure and backed up!
Conclusion
The ec2-user account doesn't have a default password. Amazon EC2 relies on SSH keys for security. By generating a key pair and associating the public key with your instance, you can access it securely. Remember to keep your private key safe, as losing it will require you to create a new key pair.