Where are Passwords Stored in Linux?

Understanding Password Storage in Linux

In Linux systems, user passwords are stored in the /etc/shadow file. This file is accessible only to users with root privileges, ensuring better security for password storage.

When a new user account is created, the encrypted password is stored in the /etc/shadow file along with other user-specific information such as the password expiration date and account status.

It is essential to protect the /etc/shadow file from unauthorized access to prevent potential security breaches and unauthorized password retrieval.