Vincent
Created: April 13, 2024
Updated: May 15, 2024
Password hashing is a cybersecurity technique used to transform a plaintext password into a unique, fixed-size string of characters known as a password hash. This process, performed by a hashing algorithm, ensures that even if data breaches occur, the actual passwords remain concealed from attackers.
Password hashing is a one-way function, meaning it is computationally impossible to reverse the process and retrieve the original password from the hash. When a user logs in, the system hashes the entered password and compares it to the stored hashed password. If they match, access is granted. This method is important for safeguarding user information against theft and misuse, especially considering the increasing frequency of cyberattacks and data breaches.
While password hashing enhances the secure storing of passwords, it should be used in conjunction with other security measures, like encryption and multi-factor authentication, for comprehensive protection.
The transition from storing passwords in plaintext to using hashed passwords marks a significant advancement in digital security. Password hashing is essential for any system that uses password-based user authentication, as it minimizes the risk associated with storing sensitive data. Here's how password hashing contributes to a secure digital environment:
To combat sophisticated attack strategies like dictionary attacks and rainbow tables, security experts recommend salting and peppering passwords before hashing them.
While many hashing algorithms exist, modern security practices favor those designed to be slow and computationally intensive, such as Argon2id, to resist brute-force attacks. The choice of algorithm is crucial in maintaining the integrity and security of user data.
Password hashing is a cybersecurity technique used to transform a plaintext password into a unique, fixed-size string of characters known as a password hash.
A "hashed password" / "hash" is the output of password hashing, so the unique, fixed-size string of characters that can't be computationally reversed to obtain the password.
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