Password Hashing

Password Hashing is a cryptographic technique used to convert a user’s plaintext password into a fixed-length string of characters, called a hash. It enhances security by protecting passwords stored in databases from being easily read or decrypted in the event of a data breach.

Key Aspects of Password Hashing

• One-Way Function: Password hashing is a one-way process, meaning that it is computationally easy to hash a password, but extremely difficult to reverse the process and obtain the original plaintext password from the hash.
• Salting: To further enhance security, a unique random value known as a “salt” is often added to each password before hashing. Salting prevents attackers from using precomputed tables (rainbow tables) to crack passwords.
• Hash Algorithms: Secure hash algorithms, such as bcrypt, scrypt, and Argon2, are commonly used for password hashing due to their resistance to brute-force and dictionary attacks.
• Database Storage: Hashed passwords are stored in databases rather than plaintext passwords. This mitigates the risk of exposing user passwords in the event of a data breach.
• Comparing Hashes: During authentication, the system compares the stored password hash with the hash of the user’s input to determine if they match, granting access if they do.
• Iterations: Modern password hashing algorithms use multiple iterations to slow down hashing, making it computationally intensive for attackers.

Conclusion

Password hashing provides a vital layer of security by rendering stored passwords indecipherable to potential attackers. It serves as a critical safeguard for protecting sensitive user credentials in the event of a data breach.