Hashed Passwords
Hashed passwords are a security technique where user passwords are transformed into fixed-length, irreversible strings using cryptographic hash functions, such as SHA-256 or bcrypt. This ensures that passwords are not stored in plaintext, protecting them from exposure in data breaches. The process involves salting (adding random data) to prevent attacks like rainbow tables and brute-force attempts.
Developers should implement hashed passwords in any application handling user authentication to enhance security and comply with data protection regulations like GDPR. It is essential for preventing password theft in case of database breaches, as attackers cannot reverse-engineer the original password from the hash. Use cases include web applications, mobile apps, and any system requiring user login credentials.