Password Hashing Best Practices for Secure Applications
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Proper password hashing is one of the most important aspects of application security.
This guide covers the best practices for password hashing that every developer should follow.
Never Store Plain Text Passwords
The most fundamental rule: never store passwords in plain text. Always hash passwords before storing them.
Use Dedicated Password Hashing Algorithms
Use algorithms designed specifically for passwords, such as bcrypt, scrypt, or Argon2.
- bcrypt: widely supported, includes salt and cost factor
- scrypt: memory-hard, resistant to GPU attacks
- Argon2: winner of the Password Hashing Competition, most modern choice
Always Use Salt and Key Stretching
A salt is a random value added to each password before hashing. Key stretching makes hashing intentionally slow, resisting brute-force attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best password hashing algorithm?▼
Argon2id is currently considered the best choice. bcrypt is a solid alternative with wider support.
How long should a password salt be?▼
A salt should be at least 16 bytes (128 bits) of cryptographically random data.
Should I hash passwords on the client side?▼
Client-side hashing alone is not sufficient. The server must still hash the received value.
How often should I rehash passwords?▼
Rehash when you upgrade your algorithm or increase the cost factor, typically during the next login.
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