Turn off "Bad password" forcing in passwd

Rotwang · 05-01-2006, 11:54 AM

Assuming I have root access, how do I turn off the strict password requirements of passwd? I know it's an optional setting somewhere. When it forces you to pick a different password by saying "Bad password - based on a dictionary word" etc etc..

I want to turn it off because it's forcing me to make a password that's insecure. (because I'd have to write the pw down.)

I'm using CentOS (basically the same as RHEL), if it matters.

macemoneta · 05-02-2006, 08:55 AM

If you are root, the passwd command still accepts the password; the message is just a warning.

The warning is important - it tells you that your passwd can be easily obtained by password guessing software. To make a secure password, use two non-related words separated by a special character and at least a 3 digit number. For example:

large$cardboard4390

These are surprisingly easy to remember.