What are the best hash functions for securing passwords?

What are the best hash functions for securing passwords?

The best hash functions for securing passwords include bcrypt, Argon2, and PBKDF2. They are designed to be slow and resistant to brute-force attacks.

Why is bcrypt preferred over other hash functions?

Bcrypt is preferred because it incorporates a salt to protect against rainbow table attacks and allows for adjustable work factors, making it more secure as hardware improves.

What is Argon2 and how does it compare to bcrypt?

Argon2 is a newer hashing algorithm that won the Password Hashing Competition. It offers better resistance to GPU attacks and allows for customization of memory usage, making it very secure.

Can you explain what a salt is in hashing?

A salt is a random value added to the password before hashing. It ensures that even if two users have the same password, their hashes will be different, enhancing security.

Are there any hash functions I should avoid?

Yes, avoid older hash functions like MD5 and SHA-1, as they are considered insecure and vulnerable to various attacks.