changepassword

Changepassword is a command-line utility used to change the password of a user account on a computer system. It is commonly found in Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS, and is part of the shadow password suite. The changepassword utility allows users to update their own passwords, while the passwd utility allows system administrators to change passwords for any user.

To use changepassword, a user must first authenticate themselves by entering their current password. Once authenticated, the user is prompted to enter a new password. The utility then checks the new password against the system's password policy to ensure it meets the required criteria, such as minimum length and complexity. If the new password meets the criteria, it is hashed and stored in the system's password database, replacing the old password.

Changepassword is an important tool for maintaining the security of user accounts. By regularly changing passwords, users can help protect their accounts from unauthorized access. Additionally, system administrators can use changepassword to enforce password policies and ensure that user accounts are secure.