PBKDF2 vs Bcrypt

Developers should learn and use PBKDF2 when implementing password storage or key derivation in applications that require secure handling of user credentials, such as authentication systems, encryption tools, or data protection mechanisms meets developers should use bcrypt when building applications that require secure user authentication, such as web apps, apis, or any system storing sensitive passwords. Here's our take.

PBKDF2

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use PBKDF2 when implementing password storage or key derivation in applications that require secure handling of user credentials, such as authentication systems, encryption tools, or data protection mechanisms

Pros

• It is particularly useful in scenarios where passwords need to be hashed with added resistance to dictionary and rainbow table attacks, as recommended by security standards like NIST for password-based key derivation
• Related to: cryptography, password-hashing

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Bcrypt

Developers should use Bcrypt when building applications that require secure user authentication, such as web apps, APIs, or any system storing sensitive passwords

Pros

• It is particularly valuable in scenarios where password security is critical, like financial or healthcare applications, as it mitigates risks from data breaches by making password cracking infeasible
• Related to: password-security, cryptography

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. PBKDF2 is a concept while Bcrypt is a library. We picked PBKDF2 based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

PBKDF2 wins

Based on overall popularity. PBKDF2 is more widely used, but Bcrypt excels in its own space.