D. J. Bernstein
UNIX

checkpassword

How to install checkpassword
The checkpassword interface
checkpassword is discussed on the password 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 support POP toasters.