When you come across an 'x' in the password field of the /etc/passwd file, it indicates that the actual password is stored in the /etc/shadow file for security reasons. The /etc/passwd file stores essential user information, but for security purposes, the password itself is not stored in plaintext within this file.
The 'x' serves as a placeholder, prompting the system to look in the /etc/shadow file for the hashed password. This adds an extra layer of security by separating sensitive information from regular user data.
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What is the password problem?
The password problem refers to the challenges and vulnerabilities associated with creating, managing, and securing passwords, which often leads to weak or reused passwords and increased security risks.
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