A strong password protects your hosting account from unauthorized access. In this guide, we explain how to change your password in DirectAdmin and provide tips for optimal security.

Why Change Your Password?

Regularly changing your password is an important security measure. Change your password especially when:

  • You suspect someone has unauthorized access
  • You shared the password with someone for temporary access
  • The password is weak or outdated
  • You receive a security notification or warning
  • An employee who had access has left
  • You use the same password elsewhere and that account has been hacked

Changing Your DirectAdmin Password

Step 1: Log in to DirectAdmin

  1. Go to DirectAdmin
  2. Log in with your current username and password
  3. You will land on the main dashboard

Step 2: Navigate to Password Settings

  1. Look for Password or Wachtwoord in the left menu
  2. Or click on your username in the top right and choose Account Settings
  3. Select the option Change Password

Step 3: Set a New Password

  1. Enter your current password for verification
  2. Enter your new password
  3. Repeat the new password in the confirmation field
  4. Click Save or Opslaan
  5. You will receive a confirmation that the password has been changed

Creating a Strong Password

A secure password meets the following criteria:

  • At least 12 characters - the longer, the safer
  • Uppercase and lowercase letters - mix of both
  • Numbers - at least two digits
  • Special characters - such as !@#$%^&*()-_=+
  • No personal information - no names, birthdates, or pets
  • No dictionary words - avoid complete words

Password Examples

Type Example Rating
Weak welkom123 Easy to guess
Weak Password1! Too predictable
Moderate Zomer2026! Contains word and pattern
Strong Tr4velP@ck2026! Complex and long
Very Strong xK9#mP2$vL8@nQ4 Random and long

Using a Password Generator

DirectAdmin has a built-in password generator:

  1. Click on Random or Generate next to the password field
  2. The system generates a cryptographically strong password
  3. Copy the password to your password manager
  4. Use this password for maximum security

Changing Email Account Password

To change the password of an email account:

  1. Go to Email Accounts or Email Manager in DirectAdmin
  2. Find the email account in the list
  3. Click on the account or the edit icon
  4. Enter a new password in the password field
  5. Click Save or Modify

Important: After changing, you must also update your email program (Outlook, Thunderbird, phone) with the new password. Otherwise, you will receive error messages when sending or receiving mail.

Changing FTP Account Password

FTP accounts have separate passwords:

  1. Go to FTP Accounts or FTP Management
  2. Click on the FTP account you want to change
  3. Enter the new password
  4. Click Modify or Save

Don't forget to update your FTP program (FileZilla, Cyberduck) with the new password.

Changing Database Password

For MySQL database users:

  1. Go to MySQL Management in DirectAdmin
  2. Click on the database user (not the database itself)
  3. Enter the new password
  4. Click Change Password

Note: After changing a database password, you must also adjust your website configuration. For WordPress: edit wp-config.php and change the DB_PASSWORD value.

Forgot Your Password?

If you can no longer log in to DirectAdmin:

  1. First, check if you are using the correct username
  2. Try the "forgot password" function if available
  3. Contact Theory7 support via the ticket system
  4. Verify your identity with account details
  5. We will send a reset link or generate a new password

Keeping Passwords Safe

Using a Password Manager

A password manager is the safest way to store passwords:

  • LastPass - cloud-based, free basic version
  • 1Password - premium option with extra features
  • Bitwarden - open source and free
  • KeePass - local storage, very secure

What to Avoid

  • Writing down passwords on paper or post-its
  • Storing passwords in unencrypted text files
  • Sharing passwords via email or chat
  • Using the same password for multiple services
  • Saving passwords in the browser without a master password

Additional Security Tips

  1. Change regularly: Every quarter is a good frequency for important accounts
  2. Enable 2FA: Activate two-factor authentication for extra security
  3. Unique passwords: Use a unique password for each account
  4. Monitor logins: Regularly check the login history in DirectAdmin
  5. No reuse: Never reuse old passwords

Need Help?

We are here for you! Are you facing any issues or have questions? Our support team is happy to assist you personally. Send us a message via the ticket system - we usually respond within a few hours and are happy to help.