Where Does MySQL Store Passwords for User Accounts?

When it comes to MySQL databases, security is a top priority. One common question that arises is where MySQL stores passwords for user accounts. The answer lies in the MySQL database itself, specifically within the user table of the mysql system database.

The user table in the mysql system database contains essential information about each user account, including the username, password, and various privileges assigned to that account. The passwords in MySQL are stored using cryptographic hash functions for security reasons.

It is crucial to understand that storing passwords in plaintext is a significant security risk as it exposes the passwords to potential unauthorized access. By hashing passwords before storing them, MySQL ensures that even if the user account data is compromised, the actual passwords remain securely encrypted.