What are the key parameters of bcrypt and how do they affect security?

What are the key parameters of bcrypt and how do they affect security?

Bcrypt has several key parameters: cost factor, salt, and hash. The cost factor determines the computational complexity, affecting how long it takes to hash a password. A higher cost means more security but also more processing time.

How do I choose the right cost factor for my application?

Choosing the right cost factor depends on your application's performance requirements and the hardware it runs on. A common starting point is 10, but you should test to find a balance between security and performance.

What is the role of the salt in bcrypt?

The 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, protecting against rainbow table attacks.

Can I change the cost factor after passwords are hashed?

No, once a password is hashed with a specific cost factor, you cannot change it. If you want to increase security, you would need to re-hash the passwords with a new cost factor.

Are there any best practices for using bcrypt?

Yes, always use a unique salt for each password, choose an appropriate cost factor, and regularly update your hashing strategy as hardware improves.