The default algorithm for storing password hashes in /etc/shadow is MD5. I was told to use SHA-512 hashing algorithm. How do I set password hashing using the SHA-256 and SHA-512 under CentOS or Redhat Enterprise Linux 5.4?
You need to use authconfig command to setup SHA-256/512 hashing. This command provides a simple method of configuring /etc/sysconfig/network to handle NIS, as well as /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow, the files used for shadow password support. Basic LDAP, Kerberos 5, and SMB (authentication) client configuration is also provided.
Display Current Hashing Algorithm
Type the following command:# authconfig --test | grep hashing
Sample outputs:
password hashing algorithm is md5
Configure Linux Server To Use The SHA-512
To configure the Linux system to use the SHA-512 algorithm, enter:# authconfig --passalgo=sha512 --update
Note users need to change their passwords in order to generate hashes using SHA-512. You can force users to change their password on next login:# chage -d 0 userName
Very nice, but any idea how do you do this with older versions of authconfig (e.g. 4.6.2)?
Sorry, HK I don't know. Anyone else?