Understanding 'x' in the Password Field of /etc/passwd File

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.