When it comes to password management, security is of the utmost importance. However, there may be times when you need to see the characters you are typing in the terminal window, especially when entering a password. By default, Linux hides the characters with asterisks for security purposes. But there is a way to make the password asterisks visible in the terminal window in Linux. In this article, we will discuss how to do so and the potential security risks involved.
Why Password Asterisks are Hidden in Linux
Before we dive into how to make password asterisks visible in the terminal window, it’s important to understand why they are hidden in the first place. The main reason is for security purposes. By hiding the characters, it prevents anyone from seeing your password over your shoulder or on a security camera. This is especially important when entering sensitive information, such as passwords for banking or personal accounts.
How to Make Password Asterisks Visible in the Terminal Window
To make password asterisks visible in the terminal window in Linux, you will need to use the “stty” command. This command allows you to change the terminal settings, including the display of password characters. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the terminal window on your Linux system.
- Type in the following command: stty -echo
- Press enter. This will turn off the echo feature, which hides the password characters.
- Enter your password. You will notice that the characters are now visible.
- Once you have finished entering your password, type in the following command: stty echo
- Press enter. This will turn the echo feature back on, hiding the password characters once again.
Potential Security Risks
While making password asterisks visible in the terminal window may be convenient, it does come with some potential security risks. As mentioned before, the main reason for hiding the characters is to prevent anyone from seeing your password. By making them visible, you are exposing your password to anyone who may be watching. This could include hackers or malicious individuals who may be trying to steal your information.
Additional Security Measures
If you still want to make password asterisks visible in the terminal window, there are some additional security measures you can take to protect your information. One option is to use a password manager, which securely stores your passwords and allows you to copy and paste them into the terminal window without revealing the characters. Another option is to use a virtual keyboard, which allows you to click on the characters instead of typing them in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to make password asterisks visible in the terminal window for convenience, it is important to consider the potential security risks involved. If you do choose to do so, be sure to take additional security measures to protect your information. Have you ever made password asterisks visible in the terminal window? Let us know in the comments.
