Which files in the '/etc' folder are specifically relevant for Linux user password storage?

The relevant files in the '/etc' folder for Linux user password storage are 'passwd' and 'shadow.'

The 'passwd' file contains essential information about each user account, including the username, user ID (UID), group ID (GID), home directory, and the initial shell. However, for security reasons, it does not store user passwords in plain text. Instead, it uses a placeholder, typically represented by an 'x' or '*' indicating that the actual password hash is stored in the 'shadow' file.

The 'shadow' file is specifically designed for securely storing user password hashes and related data. It includes fields for the user's password hash, last password change date, minimum and maximum password age, and account expiry information. This separation enhances security by restricting access to sensitive password data, allowing only authorized processes to read the 'shadow' file.

Therefore, understanding the function and relationship between these two files is crucial for managing user authentication in a Linux environment effectively.