How Does Windows Safeguard Your Passwords?

Discover how Windows uses encryption and hashing to protect passwords securely.

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Windows protects passwords using a combination of encryption and hashing algorithms. Passwords are stored in the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database and are hashed using the NTLM (NT LAN Manager) protocol. This ensures that even if the database is accessed, the actual passwords remain secure and undecipherable.**

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the NTLM protocol? The NTLM (NT LAN Manager) protocol is a suite of Microsoft security protocols intended to provide authentication, integrity, and confidentiality to users.
  2. How is password hashing different from encryption? Password hashing is a one-way process to render password data unreadable, while encryption allows for data to be reversed to its original form using a decryption key.
  3. Why is password security important? Password security is crucial to protect user identities and sensitive information from unauthorized access and cyber threats.