As a developer, you understand the importance of securing user credentials, particularly passwords. Hashing passwords is a critical step in protecting sensitive information, but where should you save these hashed passwords? In this article, we’ll explore the best practices for storing hashed passwords for user login and provide clear instructions on how to do it securely.
What Are Hashed Passwords?
Before diving into storage options, let’s quickly cover what hashed passwords are. Hashing is a one-way encryption process that transforms plaintext passwords into fixed-length, unique strings of characters. This process is designed to be irreversible, making it impossible to retrieve the original password. Hashed passwords are typically stored in a database, allowing you to verify user credentials without exposing the actual password.
Why Not Store Passwords in Plain Text?
Storing passwords in plain text is a serious security risk. If your database is compromised, attackers can access user credentials, leading to various security breaches. Hashing passwords ensures that even if your database is hacked, the stolen data is unusable without the corresponding salt and hashing algorithm.
Where to Save Hashed Passwords?
Now that we’ve covered the importance of hashing passwords, let’s discuss where to store them securely.
Option 1: Relational Databases (RDBMS)
A popular choice for storing hashed passwords is a relational database management system (RDBMS) like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server. Create a dedicated table for user credentials, including columns for the hashed password, salt, and other relevant information.
CREATE TABLE users (
id INT PRIMARY KEY,
username VARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
email VARCHAR(100) NOT NULL,
hashed_password VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
salt VARCHAR(255) NOT NULL,
created_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
updated_at TIMESTAMP DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP ON UPDATE CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
);
Option 2: NoSQL Databases
NoSQL databases like MongoDB, Cassandra, or Redis can also be used to store hashed passwords. These databases offer flexible schema designs and high scalability, making them suitable for large-scale applications.
{
"_id" : ObjectId,
"username" : String,
"email" : String,
"hashed_password" : String,
"salt" : String,
"created_at" : Date,
"updated_at" : Date
}
Option 3: Secure Key-Value Stores
Key-value stores like Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, or Google Cloud Secret Manager provide secure storage for sensitive data. These solutions offer advanced security features, such as encryption at rest and in transit, access controls, and auditing.
vault kv put secret/users <username> <hashed_password> <salt>
Best Practices for Storing Hashed Passwords
Regardless of the storage option you choose, follow these best practices to ensure the security of your users’ credentials:
- Use a Salted Hash: Combine the user’s password with a unique salt value to prevent rainbow table attacks.
- Choose a Strong Hashing Algorithm: Select a hashing algorithm like bcrypt, PBKDF2, or Argon2, which are designed to be slow and computationally expensive.
- Store the Hashed Password Securely: Encrypt the hashed password at rest and in transit using secure protocols like TLS or SSL.
- Implement Password Hash Iterations: Use multiple iterations of the hashing algorithm to slow down the process and make it more resistant to brute-force attacks.
- Use a Password Hashing Library: Leverage a reputable password hashing library like passlib, password-hash, or OWASP’s Password Hash Library to simplify the hashing process.
- Regularly Update Your Hashing Algorithm: As new, more secure hashing algorithms emerge, update your implementation to stay ahead of potential security threats.
- Monitor and Audit Access: Implement logging and monitoring to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity.
Hashing Algorithm | Work Factor | Security |
---|---|---|
MD5 | Low | Broken (vulnerable to collisions) |
SHA-1 | Low | Weak (vulnerable to collisions) |
bcrypt | Moderate | Strong (resistant to GPU and ASIC attacks) |
PBKDF2 | Moderate | Strong (resistant to GPU and ASIC attacks) |
Argon2 | High | Very Strong (resistant to GPU, ASIC, and quantum attacks) |
Conclusion
Storing hashed passwords securely is a critical aspect of user authentication. By understanding the importance of hashing passwords and following best practices for storing them, you can ensure the security and integrity of your users’ credentials. Remember to choose a suitable storage option, select a strong hashing algorithm, and implement proper security measures to protect sensitive data.
In the world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of potential threats is crucial. Continuously educate yourself on the latest security risks and best practices to ensure the protection of your users’ sensitive information.
Additional Resources
For further reading and exploration, check out these resources:
- OWASP Password Guidance
- Password Hashing Competition
- How to Securely Hash Passwords (Stack Overflow)
- NIST SP 800-63-3: Digital Identity Guidelines
Here are 5 questions and answers about “Where to save hashed passwords for user login”:
Frequently Asked Question
Storing hashed passwords securely is a top priority for any web application. But where exactly should you save them?
Should I store hashed passwords in a database?
Yes, storing hashed passwords in a secure database is a good practice. Make sure to use a salted hash function and store the salt along with the hashed password. Also, use a database that supports encryption and access controls to limit access to the data.
Can I store hashed passwords in a file?
While it’s technically possible to store hashed passwords in a file, it’s not recommended. Files can be easily accessed and compromised, and storing sensitive data in plain text files is a security risk. Instead, use a secure database or a encrypted storage service.
What about storing hashed passwords in memory?
Storing hashed passwords in memory is not recommended either. Memory can be dumped or accessed by an attacker, revealing the hashed passwords. Additionally, memory is volatile, so if the application restarts, the hashed passwords will be lost.
Can I use a separate service to store hashed passwords?
Yes, you can use a separate service to store hashed passwords, such as a password vault or a identity management service. This can provide an additional layer of security and abstraction, but make sure to choose a reputable and secure service.
What are some best practices for storing hashed passwords?
Some best practices for storing hashed passwords include using a salted hash function, storing the salt along with the hashed password, using a secure password hashing algorithm like bcrypt, and regularly updating and rotating passwords.