Are passwords visible in plain text, whether when stored or entered, including service level accounts (i.e., database accounts, etc.)?

This question is asking whether passwords are ever visible in plain text (unencrypted, readable form) in your systems, either when they are stored in databases/files or when users are entering them. This includes service accounts like database credentials. Why it's important: Password visibility in plain text is a significant security vulnerability. If passwords are visible, they can be easily compromised through unauthorized access, shoulder surfing, or data breaches. HIPAA regulations require appropriate safeguards for protected health information (PHI), and password security is a fundamental control. The question specifically mentions service accounts because these often have elevated privileges and may be handled differently than regular user accounts. Service account credentials that are visible in plain text (such as in configuration files, scripts, or environment variables) represent a serious security risk. Best practices for answering: 1. Review how passwords are stored in your databases and systems (they should be hashed, not encrypted or plain text) 2. Check how password entry is handled in user interfaces (should be masked with asterisks or dots) 3. Examine how service account credentials are managed (should use secure credential management) 4. Look for any exceptions in your environment where passwords might be visible A compliant answer would confirm that passwords are never stored or displayed in plain text, explaining the specific controls in place.