- Change the root user’s authentication method to one that uses a password
```sql
ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH mysql_native_password BY 'password';
```
- Exit the MySQL prompt
```mysql
exit
```
- Authenticate as the root MySQL user using a password
mysql -u root -p
- Go back to using the default authentication method
```mysql
ALTER USER 'root'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED WITH auth_socket;
```
- Exit the MySQL prompt
```mysql
exit
```
- Run the security script
sudo mysql\_secure\_installation
- Following configuration is shown
```shell
Output
Securing the MySQL server deployment.
Connecting to MySQL using a blank password.
VALIDATE PASSWORD COMPONENT can be used to test passwords
and improve security. It checks the strength of password
and allows the users to set only those passwords which are
secure enough. Would you like to setup VALIDATE PASSWORD component?
Press y|Y for Yes, any other key for No: Y
There are three levels of password validation policy:
LOW Length >= 8
MEDIUM Length >= 8, numeric, mixed case, and special characters
STRONG Length >= 8, numeric, mixed case, special characters and dictionary file
Please enter 0 = LOW, 1 = MEDIUM and 2 = STRONG:
2
```
```shell
Output
Please set the password for root here.
New password:
Re-enter new password:
```
```shell
Output
Estimated strength of the password: 100
Do you wish to continue with the password provided?(Press y|Y for Yes, any other key for No) : Y
```