# Linux control panel security and tools

> Academium SMS Help › Your school server
> For: School Owner, School Admin · Server Edition · Linux
> Web page: https://helpcenter.academium.com.ng/academium-sms/article/sms-linux-control-panel-security-and-tools
> Last updated: 2026-10-06

On Linux, the control panel is reached from a web browser, so anyone on the school network can open its sign-in page. Protect it.

## The panel's sign-in

The panel has its **own** sign-in. It is **not** your Academium Account.

The first time, sign in with **admin** / **admin**. Until you change it, the panel warns that **anyone on this network who knows it can manage the server**.

To change it, open the **Settings** tab:

1. Enter a new **username**, if you want one.
2. Enter the **new password** twice.
3. Enter your **current password**, and save.

You are signed out and asked to sign in again with the new details. Every other open session is signed out too.

## Two-factor sign-in

For extra protection, add a one-time code from an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, Authy or 1Password.

1. In **Settings**, choose **Enable two-factor** and confirm your panel password.
2. Add the account to your authenticator app (scan the code, or type the setup key), then enter the six-digit code it shows.
3. **Save the recovery codes** somewhere safe. Each works once if you lose your authenticator. They are **shown only now**.

The panel then asks for a code each time you sign in. **Lost your device?** Enter a recovery code, or, once the server is linked to your school, your **Academium Account password**.

To turn two-factor off, confirm your panel password and a current code, or a recovery code.

## Support tools

The Settings tab also has tools that **Academium support may ask you to use**. Do not use them otherwise.

| Tool | What it is |
| --- | --- |
| **Debug mode** | Shows detailed error pages, including sensitive information. It switches itself off after 30 minutes. |
| **Database administration** | Direct access to the database in a web browser. Off by default; turn it off again when finished. |
| **Reset database password** | Fixes a database connection error. Safe to run: it cannot make a working server worse. |

## Terminal

The **Terminal** tab opens a command line on the server, for whoever looks after the computer. It needs a **user account on the server computer**, not the panel sign-in, and has whatever access that account has.

## Power

The **power** button restarts or shuts down the whole server computer. A shut-down server stays off until someone switches it on in person.

## For whoever looks after the computer

The server also has commands for the computer's command line:

| Command | Does |
| --- | --- |
| `sudo academium-sms setup` | First-time configuration |
| `academium-sms status` | Shows whether the services are running |
| `academium-sms doctor` | Checks the computer for everything the server needs, and reports problems |
| `academium-sms backup` | Takes a backup |

The control panel does all of this too, and is the recommended way.

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