> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.illumina.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.illumina.com/instrumentation/nextseq-1000-2000/instrumentation-nextseq-1000-2000-reference_material-list/000003040.md).

# User accounts and password management on the NextSeq 1000/2000

**Background**

The NextSeq 1000/2000 Linux Operating System (OS) has three accounts:

* root (super administrator)
* ilmnadmin (Administrator)
* ilmnuser (User)

The ilmnadmin Administrator account is intended only for applying system updates such as updating the NextSeq 1000/2000 Control Software, or for use by IT staff to mount a persistent network drive. Perform all other functions, including sequencing, from the user account. The root user account should not be used for any purposes other than emergency access.

The Field Service Engineer (FSE) initiates a password change for all three accounts after completing instrument installation and the user will be required to update each password. Update each password every 180 days according to the following policies when prompted by the Linux OS.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th valign="top"></th><th valign="top"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td valign="top">Policy</td><td valign="top">Setting</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Enforce password history</td><td valign="top">Five passwords remembered</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Lockout threshold</td><td valign="top">Ten invalid login attempts</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Minimum password length</td><td valign="top">Ten characters</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Minimum character variety</td><td valign="top">Three each of: number, upper case letter, lower case letter, and symbol</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Maximum repeating character</td><td valign="top">Three characters</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Password must meet complexity requirements</td><td valign="top">Disabled</td></tr><tr><td valign="top">Store passwords using reversible encryption</td><td valign="top">Disabled</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Table 1**: Default Linux OS password policies and requirements.

If a user account becomes locked or a password needs to be updated, see Knowledge Article [How to change passwords and unlock accounts on the NextSeq 1000/2000](https://github.com/illumina-swi/illumina-knowledge/tree/master/articles/Knowledge/Customer-has-forgotten-passwords-and-is-locked-out-on-the-NextSeq-2000/README.md) for details.

To create a new user account, see Knowledge Article [How to create new user accounts on the NextSeq 1000/2000](https://github.com/illumina-swi/illumina-knowledge/tree/master/articles/Knowledge/How-to-create-new-user-accounts-on-the-NextSeq-1000-2000/README.md) for details.

See the [NextSeq 1000/2000 Product Documentation](https://support-docs.illumina.com/IN/NextSeq10002000/Content/IN/FrontPages/NextSeq10002000.htm) for more information.

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| *For any feedback or questions regarding this article (Illumina Knowledge Article #3040), contact Illumina Technical Support* [*techsupport@illumina.com*](mailto:techsupport@illumina.com?subject=Question%2FFeedback%20Regarding%20Illumina%20Knowledge%20Article%20#000006467%20-%20Instrumentation%20\&body=Dear%20Illumina%20Technical%20Support,%0D%0A%0D%0A)*.* |


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