passwd: The Complete Guide

Managing Passwords Securely in Linux and Unix Systems for Users, Admins, and Scripts

Master Linux password management with the definitive guide to `passwd`. From basic usage to advanced scripting and security policies for users, admins, and developers.

Author:

Category: Linux

Pages: 362

Language: English

Publication Date:

DSIN: BC25Z6STJYXH

About This Book

# The Complete Guide to Linux Password Management with passwd Transform your understanding of Linux security with the most comprehensive resource available for mastering the `passwd` command. This definitive guide bridges the gap between basic password changes and advanced system administration, providing everything you need to implement secure, scalable password management across Linux and Unix environments. ## Master Every Aspect of passwd From fundamental concepts to enterprise-level implementations, this book covers the complete spectrum of `passwd` functionality. Learn how `passwd` interacts with critical system files, implement organization-wide password policies, and automate user management through scripting. Whether you're securing a single workstation or managing hundreds of user accounts, you'll discover practical solutions that enhance both security and operational efficiency. ## Comprehensive Coverage for All Skill Levels The book systematically progresses through fourteen detailed chapters, beginning with core concepts and advancing to sophisticated topics like SELinux integration, cryptographic foundations, and passwordless authentication strategies. Each chapter includes tested code examples, real-world scenarios, and security best practices specific to `passwd` implementation. ## Practical Knowledge You Can Apply Immediately Unlike theoretical security texts, this guide emphasizes actionable techniques. You'll learn to troubleshoot common password issues, implement automated password rotation, manage remote system authentication, and configure `passwd` for specialized environments including containers and high-security systems. Six comprehensive appendices provide quick-reference materials, configuration templates, and hands-on exercises to reinforce your learning. ## Expert-Level Insights for Professional Growth Developed for the modern Linux professional, this book addresses real challenges faced by system administrators, developers, and security practitioners. Master the cryptographic algorithms underlying password security, understand the implications of different hashing methods, and learn to make informed decisions about password policy implementation that balance security requirements with operational needs.

Quick Overview

Master Linux password management with the definitive guide to `passwd`. From basic usage to advanced scripting and security policies for users, admins, and developers.

Key Topics Covered

  • passwd command mastery
  • Linux password management
  • Unix authentication systems
  • password policy implementation
  • system security administration
  • user account management
  • SELinux integration
  • password automation scripting
  • cryptographic hashing
  • remote authentication
  • container security
  • enterprise password policies

Who Should Read This Book

Linux system administrators, Unix administrators, DevOps engineers, security professionals, Linux developers, IT support professionals, network administrators, Linux enthusiasts seeking advanced knowledge

Prerequisites

Basic Linux command line experience, fundamental understanding of file permissions, familiarity with text editors, basic system administration concepts

Table of Contents

| Chapter | Title | Page | | ------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ---- | | Intro | The Role of Passwords in Linux Security | 7 | | 1 | What is passwd? | 21 | | 2 | Changing Passwords | 34 | | 3 | User and Root Contexts | 47 | | 4 | Password Complexity Policies | 61 | | 5 | Password Expiration and Aging | 84 | | 6 | Disabling and Locking Accounts | 101 | | 7 | /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow | 118 | | 8 | Password Hashing and Algorithms | 135 | | 9 | SELinux and Password Changes | 150 | | 10 | Scripted Password Changes | 163 | | 11 | Password Changes in Remote Systems | 189 | | 12 | passwd in Special Environments | 210 | | 13 | Going Passwordless (Intro) | 223 | | 14 | Password Management Best Practices | 241 | | App | passwd command cheat sheet | 259 | | App | Real-world password policy templates | 273 | | App | Troubleshooting guide | 298 | | App | SELinux troubleshooting for passwd | 313 | | App | Interview questions for sysadmin roles | 326 | | App | Practice exercises for user/password management | 345 |

About This Publication

"passwd: The Complete Guide" represents the first comprehensive examination of Linux password management through the `passwd` command. This book fills a critical gap in existing documentation by providing both foundational knowledge and advanced techniques for implementing secure password systems. Readers will gain deep understanding of how `passwd` integrates with Linux security architecture, from basic user authentication to complex policy enforcement mechanisms. The book emphasizes practical application, teaching you to configure password aging, implement complexity requirements, and automate password management tasks through scripting. Through detailed exploration of system files like `/etc/passwd` and `/etc/shadow`, you'll understand the underlying mechanisms that make secure authentication possible. Advanced chapters cover SELinux integration, remote password management, and the cryptographic foundations that protect password data. This knowledge enables you to make informed decisions about password security, implement policies that meet organizational requirements, and troubleshoot authentication issues efficiently. Whether you're managing personal systems or enterprise environments, you'll develop the expertise needed to maintain secure, well-managed authentication systems.

Book Details

Format
PDF
File Size
2.1 MB
Chapters
14
Code Examples
99
Exercises
99
Difficulty Level
beginner
Reading Time
32-38

Special Features

• Comprehensive coverage of all `passwd` functionality across Linux distributions • 14 detailed chapters progressing from basics to advanced implementations • 6 practical appendices with templates, references, and hands-on exercises • Real-world code examples tested on major Linux platforms • Security-focused approach with best practices for each technique • Troubleshooting guides for common password management issues • Integration strategies for enterprise environments and automation • Detailed exploration of cryptographic concepts underlying password security • Practical decision-making frameworks for choosing appropriate solutions • Quick-reference materials for daily administrative tasks

Related Books in Linux

Get This Book

Price: 4.99 EUR

Popular Technical Articles & Tutorials

Explore our comprehensive collection of technical articles, programming tutorials, and IT guides written by industry experts:

Browse all 8+ technical articles | Read our IT blog

passwd: The Complete Guide