What is the purpose of the "passwd" command in a Linux system?

The "passwd" command in a Linux system serves the primary purpose of changing the password of a user account. When executed, it allows users to update their own passwords or an administrator to reset passwords for other user accounts, enhancing system security by ensuring that passwords remain current or meet specific security policies. The command requires appropriate permissions; normal users can typically change their own passwords, while superusers or administrators can change any password on the system.

This functionality is critical for maintaining proper access controls, as regularly updating passwords helps to protect user accounts from unauthorized access.