How to Use the Command 'makepasswd' (with examples)

The makepasswd command is a versatile utility for generating and encrypting passwords. It’s particularly useful for system administrators and developers who need to create strong, random passwords for users, systems, or applications. Moreover, makepasswd offers customization options to tailor password characteristics according to specific security policies or personal preferences. Below, we’ll explore several use cases of this command, illustrating how to deploy it effectively for different password requirements.

Use case 1: Generate a Random Password (8 to 10 Characters Long, Containing Letters and Numbers)

Code:

makepasswd

Motivation:
Generating a random password of a standard length (8 to 10 characters) is a common requirement when setting up new user accounts or configuring services securely. This ensures that passwords are not predictable and provide a suitable level of entropy or randomness, enhancing security against brute-force attacks.

Explanation:
Using makepasswd without any arguments triggers its default behavior to create a random password that is between 8 to 10 characters long. This default setting is suitable for situations where a moderate level of security is acceptable, such as creating user accounts that adhere to standard password policies.

Example Output:

C7k3lQ2z

Use case 2: Generate a 10 Characters Long Password

Code:

makepasswd --chars 10

Motivation:
Certain security guidelines or system requirements might stipulate that passwords must be of a fixed length, such as exactly 10 characters. This stipulation could be due to compatibility reasons with legacy systems or specific security protocols that ensure uniform password policies across an organization.

Explanation:
The --chars 10 argument instructs makepasswd to generate a password that is exactly 10 characters long. The number supplied to --chars ensures that no deviation occurs in password length, allowing for a consistent security posture across different systems and applications.

Example Output:

b2D4nQ8wL5

Use case 3: Generate a Password with 5 to 10 Characters

Code:

makepasswd --minchars 5 --maxchars 10

Motivation:
Some systems or applications may require passwords that fit within a specific range of lengths, such as a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 characters. This flexibly allows for improved user memorability while maintaining a foundation of security if a slightly shorter password is less likely to be guessed.

Explanation:
The --minchars 5 and --maxchars 10 arguments specify that the password should have a length anywhere between 5 and 10 characters. This configuration is designed for scenarios where varying password lengths are permissible, which could aid in accommodating different user preferences while still upholding security standards.

Example Output:

A4zK2

Use case 4: Generate a Password Containing Only the Characters “b”, “a”, or “r”

Code:

makepasswd --string bar

Motivation:
In niche cases, you may be required to generate passwords composed of a very limited set of characters. This might be necessary for compatibility with systems that accept only specific characters or for creating passwords that need to be ultra-simple and memorable in very low-security environments.

Explanation:
The --string bar argument specifies that the password should only include the characters “b”, “a”, and “r”. This option allows complete control over which characters are incorporated into the password, thus catering to customized or constrained environments.

Example Output:

araabrb

Conclusion:

The makepasswd command is useful for generating secure, random passwords efficiently. It supports a range of customization options, allowing you to create passwords that meet specific security policies or application requirements. Whether you need a standard-length random password, a fixed-length password, or one composed of specific characters, makepasswd offers the flexibility to meet various use cases effectively.