Why Hashing is More Secure than Encryption for Password Storage
Explore why hashing is the preferred method for secure password storage over encryption in our latest video.
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Hashing is used instead of encrypting for storing passwords because hashing converts data into a fixed-length string that cannot be reversed. This enhances security, as even if hashed passwords are stolen, they can't reveal the original passwords. On the other hand, encryption is reversible and designed for transforming data into a readable format again, which isn't ideal for password storage.
FAQs & Answers
- What is the difference between hashing and encryption? Hashing creates a unique fixed-length string that ensures data can't be reversed, while encryption allows data to be transformed back to its original form.
- Why should I use hashing for passwords? Hashing protects your passwords by making them irreversible; even if stolen, hashed passwords cannot reveal the original passwords.
- Can encryption be used for storing passwords? While encryption can be used, it's not recommended for passwords as it is reversible, posing a higher security risk.
- What are common hashing algorithms? Common hashing algorithms include SHA-256, bcrypt, and Argon2, each providing varying levels of security and efficiency.