checkpassword: a simple password-checking interface (original) (raw)

D. J. Bernstein
UNIX How to install checkpassword
The checkpassword interface

checkpassword is discussed on thepassword mailing list.

What is it?

checkpassword provides a simple, uniform password-checking interface to all root applications. It is suitable for use by applications such as login, ftpd, and pop3d.

There are checkpassword-compatible tools that support alternate password databases, secret login names, long passwords, subaccounts, one-time passwords, detailed accounting, and many other features. Applications that use the checkpassword interface will work with all of these tools. Several tools have been specifically designed to supportPOP toasters.