Understanding Password Hashing and Salting | JKSSB Mock Test
Understanding Password Hashing and Salting
Password hashing and salting are critical techniques used to protect your passwords from hackers. Instead of storing your password directly, websites use mathematical algorithms to transform it into a unique code (hash). Adding salt makes the password even stronger by mixing in random data.
Why Not Store Plain Text Passwords?
- If stored directly, hackers can read passwords instantly.
- Leaked databases would expose millions of accounts.
- Hashing ensures even website admins cannot see your password.
How Password Hashing Works
- You enter your password (e.g., mypassword123).
- The system runs it through a hashing algorithm (like SHA-256, bcrypt, or Argon2).
- The result is a fixed-length code (hash).
- This hash is stored, not the real password.
- When you log in, your entered password is hashed again and compared.
Why Salting Is Important
Salting means adding a unique random value to your password before hashing. This makes it impossible for hackers to use precomputed databases (rainbow tables) to crack passwords.
| Without Salt | With Salt |
|---|---|
| Same password = same hash | Same password = different hashes |
| Hackers can guess easily | Rainbow table attacks blocked |
| Weaker security | Much stronger security |
Popular Hashing Algorithms
- MD5, SHA-1 → ❌ Outdated and insecure
- SHA-256 → ✅ More secure, widely used
- Bcrypt → 🔒 Adds salt + slow hashing (good for passwords)
- Argon2 → 🏆 Modern, secure, memory-hard algorithm
Real-Life Example
- Password: 123456
- SHA-256 Hash: 8d969eef6ecad3c29a3a629280e686cf...
- With Salt: Completely different hash every time
Best Practices for Secure Password Storage
- Always use bcrypt or Argon2 for hashing
- Add unique salt per password
- Implement pepper (a secret server-side value)
- Never store plain text passwords
Future Trends in Password Security
- Wider adoption of Argon2
- Integration with multi-factor authentication
- Transition towards passwordless login (biometrics, FIDO2)
Final Summary
- Hashing turns your password into unreadable code.
- Salting ensures even identical passwords look different.
- Use bcrypt or Argon2 for maximum safety.
FAQs
- Can hashed passwords be reversed?
❌ No, hashes are one-way functions. - Why do we need both hashing and salting?
✅ Hashing hides passwords, salting makes them unique and uncrackable. - What is peppering?
🔒 An extra secret added by the server for more security.
