> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/mariadb-maxscale-tutorials/encrypting-passwords.md).
# Encrypting Passwords
## Encrypting Passwords
There are two options for representing the password, either plain text or encrypted passwords may be used. In order to use encrypted passwords a set of keys must be generated that will be used by the encryption and decryption process. To generate the keys, use the `maxkeys` command.
```
maxkeys
```
By default the key file will be generated in `/var/lib/maxscale`. If a different directory is required, it can be given as the first argument to the program. For more information, see `maxkeys --help`.
Once the keys have been created the `maxpasswd` command can be used to generate the encrypted password.
```
maxpasswd plainpassword
96F99AA1315BDC3604B006F427DD9484
```
The username and password, either encrypted or plain text, are stored in the service section using the `user` and `password` parameters.
If a custom location was used for the key file, give it as the first argument to`maxpasswd` and pass the password to be encrypted as the second argument. For more information, see `maxkeys --help`.
Here is an example configuration that uses an encrypted password.
```ini
[My-Service]
type=service
router=readconnroute
router_options=master
servers=dbserv1, dbserv2, dbserv3
user=maxscale
password=96F99AA1315BDC3604B006F427DD9484
```
If the key file is not in the default location, the [datadir](/docs/maxscale/maxscale-management/deployment/installation-and-configuration/maxscale-configuration-guide.md) parameter must be set to the directory that contains it.
*This page is licensed: CC BY-SA / Gnu FDL*
{% @marketo/form formId="4316" %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/mariadb-maxscale-tutorials/encrypting-passwords.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.