Operating System Security (OPSEC) Practice Exam

In early Unix systems, passwords were stored in clear text, meaning they were kept in a format that could be easily read by anyone with access to the relevant files. This practice is a significant security concern as it allowed unauthorized users who gained access to the system to easily read and use the passwords for malicious purposes. The early designs of Unix prioritized functionality and ease of use over security, which led to vulnerabilities such as this.

While it's true that security measures have evolved substantially over time to include encryption and more sophisticated access controls, early Unix systems were particularly notorious for their lack of robust security features. Password encryption methods were later introduced to enhance security by protecting user passwords from being easily exploited. Thus, the statement about passwords being stored in clear text accurately reflects the security practices of those early systems.