How to Safely Store Hashed Passwords in a Database

How to Safely Store Hashed Passwords in a Database

Storing passwords securely is crucial for ensuring the safety of user accounts and sensitive data. One commonly used method for storing passwords in a database is by hashing them. Hashing is a process that converts plain text passwords into a series of random characters that are difficult to reverse-engineer.

Steps to Store Hashed Passwords:

1. Choose a strong hashing algorithm like bcrypt or SHA-256. These algorithms are designed to be slow and computationally intensive, making it harder for hackers to crack the passwords.
2. Generate a unique salt for each password. A salt is a random value that is added to the password before hashing, making it even more secure.
3. Combine the password and salt, then hash the resulting value using the chosen algorithm.
4. Store the hashed password and the salt in the database. Do not store plain text passwords under any circumstances.
5. When a user tries to log in, repeat the process of combining the entered password with the stored salt, hashing the result, and comparing it to the stored hashed password. If the two match, the login is successful.

By following these steps, you can enhance the security of your users' passwords and protect sensitive information stored in your database.