What are the differences between bcrypt and other hashing algorithms?

What are the differences between bcrypt and other hashing algorithms?

Bcrypt is specifically designed for hashing passwords, offering adaptive hashing and built-in salt. Other algorithms like SHA-256 are faster but not as secure for password storage.

Why is bcrypt considered more secure for passwords?

Bcrypt is more secure because it incorporates a work factor, which makes it slower and more resistant to brute-force attacks compared to faster algorithms.

Can you explain what a work factor is?

The work factor in bcrypt determines how computationally intensive the hashing process is. A higher work factor means more time and resources are needed to hash a password, enhancing security.

Are there any downsides to using bcrypt?

Yes, the main downside is that bcrypt can be slower than other algorithms, which may impact performance in high-traffic applications.

What are some alternatives to bcrypt?

Alternatives include Argon2, PBKDF2, and scrypt, each with its own strengths and weaknesses in terms of security and performance.