What are the best practices for hashing sensitive data?

What are the best practices for hashing sensitive data?

The best practices for hashing sensitive data include using a strong hashing algorithm, adding a unique salt, and using key stretching techniques.

What hashing algorithms should I use?

You should consider using algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2, as they are designed for secure password hashing.

How do I implement salting in my hashing process?

To implement salting, generate a unique salt for each password, concatenate it with the password, and then hash the combined value.

Is it safe to use SHA-256 for hashing passwords?

While SHA-256 is a strong hash function, it's not recommended for password hashing alone due to its speed. Use a dedicated password hashing algorithm instead.

What is key stretching?

Key stretching is a technique used to make a weak key stronger by increasing the computational effort required to derive the key from the password.