Where Does MySQL Store Passwords?

When it comes to MySQL databases, one common question that arises is where passwords are actually stored. In MySQL, the passwords are stored in the user table within the mysql system database.

The mysql.user table specifically holds information about the users who have access to the MySQL server. One of the fields in this table is the 'authentication_string' field, which stores the encrypted passwords for each user.

It's important to note that MySQL employs various encryption and hashing techniques to secure the passwords stored in the database. When a user creates or updates their password, it is encrypted using methods like SHA256 or SHA512 before being stored in the 'authentication_string' field.

It is crucial to handle passwords with care in MySQL databases to ensure the security of your data. Using strong passwords, implementing access control, and regularly updating passwords are essential practices to safeguard your MySQL database.