The default password for the Nutanix Controller Virtual Machine (CVM) user nutanix is nutanix/4u.
The Controller Virtual Machine (CVM) is a core component within a Nutanix cluster, responsible for managing storage, data services, and cluster operations. For initial setup and configuration, Nutanix systems come with pre-defined default credentials for various components, including the CVM.
Common Nutanix Default Credentials
Understanding these default credentials is essential for initial access to your Nutanix environment. The table below outlines the standard default usernames and passwords for key components like the CVM, AHV (Acroplis Hypervisor), and IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface).
| Component | Default User ID | Default Password |
|---|---|---|
| CVM | nutanix |
nutanix/4u |
| AHV | root |
nutanix/4u |
| IPMI | ADMIN |
ADMIN |
These credentials are provided for convenience during the initial deployment phase.
Essential Security Practices for Nutanix
While default credentials facilitate a quick setup, it is critically important to change them immediately after the initial deployment to secure your infrastructure. Failing to do so can leave your system vulnerable to unauthorized access. Follow these security best practices:
- Change Default Passwords Immediately: After the cluster is operational, the very first step should be to modify the default passwords for the CVM, AHV, and IPMI.
- Create Strong, Unique Passwords: Replace default passwords with complex ones that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Each component should have a unique password.
- Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Configure user accounts with the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only have access to what is necessary for their roles.
- Integrate with Centralized Authentication: For enhanced security and simplified user management, integrate your Nutanix cluster with enterprise authentication systems like LDAP or Active Directory.
- Regular Password Rotation: Establish and enforce a policy for periodically changing all administrative passwords.
Adhering to these security measures is vital for protecting your Nutanix environment from potential security risks and ensuring data integrity.
