How Hackers Steal Hashed Passwords from Websites

In the realm of cyber security, one of the key concerns for both website owners and users is the security of passwords. Passwords are often stored in hashed form to protect them from being exposed in the event of a data breach. However, hackers have developed sophisticated methods to steal hashed passwords from websites.

Understanding Hashed Passwords

Before delving into how hackers steal hashed passwords, it's crucial to understand what hashed passwords are. When a user creates an account on a website, their password is hashed using a cryptographic algorithm. This process converts the password into a unique string of characters that cannot be easily reversed to reveal the original password.

Methods Used by Hackers

1. Brute Force Attacks: This method involves trying all possible combinations of characters until the correct password is found.

2. Dictionary Attacks: Hackers use pre-existing lists of commonly used passwords to crack hashed passwords.

3. Rainbow Tables: These are precomputed tables used to crack hashed passwords quickly.

Protecting Hashed Passwords

Website owners can protect hashed passwords by:

1. Using strong hashing algorithms.

2. Implementing salt—a random value added to each password before hashing.

3. Regularly updating hashing mechanisms.

Conclusion

Ensuring the security of hashed passwords is paramount in safeguarding sensitive user information. By understanding how hackers steal hashed passwords and implementing robust security measures, website owners can enhance their cyber security posture.