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jared
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jared

Root Password Reset

July 1, 2013 20.6k views
How does the root password reset button work? I understand that it wil reset the root password and email me the new one but, how does it do this on a more technical level? For me, I am just worried about the security of this feature. Understanding the feature more would help me not worry as much. Note: I have enabled 2-factor auth on my DO account and on my email account. Just being overly cautious...
2 comments
  • ChrisBoy October 8, 2014

    Great question! On the password reset page it says "This will shut down your droplet and a new root password will be set and emailed to you."

    Question is whether or not I will be able to access the droplet again once the new password is reset and sent via email... will I?

  • kamaln7 MOD October 8, 2014

    Yes, you will be able to access your droplet after the root password is reset -- it'll be automatically powered on.

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3 Answers
pablo July 1, 2013
Not to side-step the question, but if you're concerned about the security surrounding e-mailed passwords, you should check out this article: How to Use SSH Keys with DigitalOcean Droplets
How To Use SSH Keys with DigitalOcean Droplets
by Etel Sverdlov
This guide is for Mac OS X and Linux users. Learn how to use SSH Keys with DigitalOcean Droplets.
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jared July 2, 2013
Yeah, I've been looking at implementing the SSH Keys in DO. There is just something 'sketchy' about having a button that goes in a reset the password to the most powerful account on my VPS. If anyone has more information on the technical process behind this button it would be most appreciated. Thanks!
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jeff July 3, 2013
All this process does is set the entry in the /etc/shadow file.
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