One of the fundamental questions in cyber security is whether to store user passwords in a database. The short answer, to keep it simple and secure, is no. Storing passwords in plaintext within a database is a major security risk and can lead to severe data breaches.

Instead of storing passwords directly, it is recommended to store only encrypted or hashed versions of passwords in the database. Encryption and hashing techniques convert the password into a secure, unreadable format that can be used for verification without actually storing the original password.

Another best practice is to add salt to passwords before hashing them. Salting involves adding random data to each password before hashing, which further enhances security by ensuring that even if two users have the same password, the hashed versions will be different.

It's also crucial to implement proper password management techniques, such as enforcing strong password policies, regularly updating hashing algorithms, and never transmitting plaintext passwords over the network.

In conclusion, storing user passwords in plaintext within a database is a significant security risk. By following encryption, hashing, and salting best practices, you can enhance the security of user passwords and protect sensitive data from cyber threats.