Should Passwords Be Encrypted or Hashed?

The Importance of Secure Password Storage

When it comes to protecting sensitive information online, one of the key considerations is how passwords are stored. The debate over whether passwords should be encrypted or hashed is a common one in the realm of cybersecurity.

Encryption vs. Hashing

Encryption involves using a secret key to convert data into a scrambled format that can be decrypted back into its original form. In the context of passwords, encrypting them would mean storing them in a way that can be reversed back to plain text.

On the other hand, hashing is a one-way function that converts data into a unique string of characters. This irreversible process ensures that even if the hashed password is compromised, it cannot be easily reversed back to the original password.

Best Practice: Hashing Passwords

While encryption has its uses in other areas of cybersecurity, hashing is the preferred method for storing passwords. When a user creates an account or changes their password, the system should hash the password and store the hashed version in the database. When the user attempts to log in, the entered password is hashed and compared to the stored hash for authentication.

Hashing passwords adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for cyber attackers to retrieve the actual passwords even if they gain access to the database. Additionally, using hashing algorithms such as bcrypt or SHA-256 further enhances security by incorporating salting and multiple rounds of hashing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, passwords should be hashed rather than encrypted for secure storage. Implementing proper password hashing techniques is crucial in safeguarding user information and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Additional Links

Can Hashing And Encryption To Secure Passwords
Which Of The Following Is The Most Secure Way Of Storing Passwords?
Which Of The Following Is Considered A Secure Way To Store Passwords In A Database?
Is Encryption The Same As Password Protection
How Should You Store Passwords?
Do You Store User Passwords In Database
What Is Password Hashing
Which Of The Following Is Considered A Secure Way To Store Passwords In A Database? Quizlet

How To Find Apple Id Password In Keychain