In WordPress, even small configuration choices can make a big difference to your website’s security. One of the most common and overlooked mistakes many users make is leaving “admin” as their default administrator username.
While it might seem harmless, keeping the default “admin” username exposes your website to a higher risk of brute-force attacks and unauthorized access.
How Default Usernames Put Your Website at Risk
Hackers use automated bots to scan thousands of WordPress websites daily, attempting to gain access through forceful login attempt. These bots typically start with the “admin” username because it’s the default choice for many installations.
From there, they try multiple password combinations in seconds. If your website still uses this default username, attackers already know half of your login credentials, making their job much easier.
A successful forceful login attempt can lead to:
- Unauthorized access to your WordPress admin area.
- Website defacement or malware injection.
- Complete loss of control over your website.
How to Securely Change the Admin Username
Fortunately, you don’t have to delete your account or make complex database edits to fix this issue. The WordPress Manager by Softaculous offers a simple, built-in solution that automatically updates your default username safely and securely.
This feature allows you to:
- Automatically replace the “admin” username with a randomly generated, secure name.
- Log in instantly using the updated credentials through the Login button in your WordPress Manager dashboard.
- Prevent forceful login attempt by removing one of the most predictable login credentials.
All changes are applied instantly and do not require any technical expertise.
Why You Should Avoid Third-Party Plugins for This Task
Several WordPress plugins claim to help change the default username. However, most require manual setup, user replacement, or direct database editing, which can easily result in configuration errors if not done correctly.
Using the WordPress Manager by Softaculous is a more reliable alternative because:
- It runs directly from your hosting dashboard.
- It applies the change automatically and securely.
- It is fully reversible, allowing you to modify or revert changes anytime.
This approach eliminates plugin conflicts, reduces risk, and maintains your website’s stability.
Effective Steps for WordPress User Management
Changing the default admin username is just one step in protecting your site. For better overall security:
- Use strong, unique passwords for every user account.
- Assign roles appropriately (Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor).
- Limit the number of users with administrative privileges.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if available.
Taking these small steps helps you maintain full control over your website and minimize vulnerabilities.
If you need help, kindly reach out to our support team.
