# Passwords

Account passwords can be used to limit the access to an
account or to limit access to the system.

Master dictionary (account) passwords are stored in encrypted
form in attribute 7 of items within the mds file. Master dictionary
passwords are assigned at the time a master dictionary is created
and can be changed by editing the mds file from the dm master dictionary
at any time by a user with level 2 system privileges (sys2).

Encrypted user passwords are stored in individual users file items
in attribute 7.

Both the user and the account passwords can
be MultiValue.

Note: Passwords are case sensitive, regardless
of the state of case sensitivity on the system!

If a password
is specified, it is requested at log on. If an incorrect password
is entered, the user is denied access to the system. If the proper
password is entered, the user is then requested to enter the name
of the master dictionary to be accessed. If that master dictionary
requires a password, the user is prompted for it.

The user’s
password can be changed by editing the users file in the dm account
through the Update processor. Passwords can also be assigned or changed
by issuing the command sequence:

```
u mds account.name password
```

## See also

- [mds file](https://d3codex.com/systemfiles/mds-file/)
- [password command](https://d3codex.com/tcl/password-command/)
- [Security](https://d3codex.com/definitions/security/)
- [System privileges](https://d3codex.com/definitions/system-privileges/)
- [users file](https://d3codex.com/systemfiles/users-file/)

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Source: https://d3codex.com/definitions/passwords/ - part of the D3Codex reference.