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How do I decode encrypted password files?

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How do I decode encrypted password files?

You spend lots and lots of money on dedicated hardware, but this is bound to get you talked about.

Seriously, you can't if they are Unix password files - the Unix password system employs one-way encryption. Programs like Crack can forcibly (and intelligently) try to guess passwords, but don't (can't) guarantee quick success.

If you're worried about users selecting bad passwords, you should proactively check when they try to change their password (by modifying passwd(1), for example).

Source: Perl FAQ: System Interaction
Copyright: Copyright (c) 1997 Tom Christiansen and Nathan Torkington.

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