Enhanced crypt() Function

This feature is new in the Software Express pilot program and in the Solaris 9 12/02 release. This feature is included in the Solaris 10 3/05 release.

Password encryption protects passwords from being read by intruders. Three strong password encryption modules are now available in the software:

• A version of Blowfish that is compatible with Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) systems

• A version of Message Digest 5 (MD5) that is compatible with BSD and Linux systems

• A stronger version of MD5 that is compatible with other Solaris systems

For information on how to protect your user passwords with these new encryption modules, see the following sections in the System Administration Guide: Security Services:

• “Controlling Access to Systems (Tasks)”

• “Managing Machine Security (Overview)”

• “Changing the Default Algorithm for Password Encryption”

For information on the strength of the modules, see the crypt_bsdbf(5), crypt_bsdmd5(5), and crypt_sunmd5(5) man pages.