If I change root passwd will that break a server ?
 

If I change root passwd will that break a server ?

Are there any standard processes that could rely on a specific root passwd ?

If there were any such processes I'd say that would be a tremendous security risk. If an attacker could determine the server runs that process then as long as SSH was set up insecurely (for instance, permit root login and permit passwords), then the attacker could gain root access.

Anyway to be more concrete, I've never heard of such a process and I could scarcely imagine one, so go right ahead and change it.

Will it break?? I doubt it. Could it?? Yes. Your current backup will help in case of disaster.

Generally you have to worry about encryption and encrypted backups that may need to have a prior password hash. Usually that is more windows.


I'd be more worried if the server did stop because some process knew the password. As a result wouldn't start. As stated above by Isaac Velando.