passwd(1)passwd(1)Namepasswd - create or change password
Syntaxpasswd [-aefs] [name]
Description
The command lets you or the superuser change your password. When you
enter the command, the program prompts you for the old password and
then for the new password. Next, the program asks you for the new
password again, to verify that you have typed it correctly. Note that
the passwords are not displayed on the screen.
Your new password must meet the length requirements specified by the
superuser. To review these requirements, refer to the file. (This is a
read-only file.)
If your system is running with increased security, you may have to
choose a password from a list of randomly generated passwords, or you
may need authorization to change your password. At higher security
levels, you may be prohibited from changing your password until its
minimum lifetime has expired, as specified in the Authorization Data‐
base.
If you are running the BIND/Hesiod service, your password will be
updated automatically on the server.
Options-a Supply a list of randomly generated passwords. (See the Examples
section.)
-e Use an extended protocol when communicating with a prompter pro‐
gram. As a result, the standard input and output (used by is sent
to this program.
-f Change the finger information, not the password. The finger pro‐
gram provides information about current ULTRIX users, such as
login and terminal name, idle time and office location.
-s Change the login shell of the password file, not the password
entry.
Restrictions
If you use a hardcopy terminal, you must destroy all print outs of
valid passwords.
Examples
The following example illustrates the -a option, which displays a list
of randomly generated passwords and their suggested pronunciation with
hyphens. The hyphens delineate the syllables of the passwords:
passwd-a abcd
Changing password for abcd
Here are some suggested passwords:
ryegd ryeg-di
aswurku a-swurk-u
ryedok ryed-ok
teleccs tel-ec-cos
wahislas wa-hi-slas
Enter new password:
Diagnostics
Password must be at least 6 characters long, password unchanged
Your password does not meet the minimum length requirement speci‐
fied in
Warning: Only the first 8 characters of the password are significant
Your password exceeds the maximum length requirement specified in
Permission denied
You do not have the privilege to change your password. The minimum
lifetime has not expired.
Password is not different enough, unchanged
Your new password must be different from your old password.
Password must be different than logname, and not resemble previous
password
Your new password must be different from your login name.
Verification failed, password unchanged
You misspelled the verification of your new password.
Files
Password file
Authorization data base directory
Authorization data base page
Data base service selection and security configuration file
Only the superuser and members of the group can
access the and files.
See Alsochfn(1), chsh(1), finger(1), login(1), shexp(1), yppasswd(1yp),
passwd(5yp), edauth(8), vipw(8)
Guide to System Environment Setup
Security Guide for Users
Security Guide for Administrators
"Password Security: A Case History", Supplementary Documents, Volume 3:
System Manager
passwd(1)
