📚 Topic Summary
Password salting and hashing are essential techniques used to protect user passwords in databases. Hashing transforms a password into a fixed-size string of characters, making it unreadable. Salting adds a unique, random string to each password before hashing. This makes it much harder for hackers to crack passwords, even if they obtain the database. Combining these methods significantly enhances password security, protecting sensitive user information. Think of it like adding extra locks and secret codes to your digital vault!
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with the correct definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Hash |
A. A unique, random string added to a password before hashing. |
| 2. Salt |
B. An algorithm that transforms data into a fixed-size string. |
| 3. Password Cracking |
C. The process of attempting to guess passwords, often using automated tools. |
| 4. Rainbow Table |
D. A precomputed table for reversing cryptographic hash functions. |
| 5. Collision |
E. When two different inputs produce the same hash output. |
(Match the numbers 1-5 to the letters A-E)
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: (hashing, salt, security, database, rainbow table)
When storing passwords, it's crucial to prioritize __________. Instead of storing passwords directly in the __________, we use __________. To further enhance protection, a __________ is added to each password before it is hashed. This prevents attackers from using a __________ to crack the passwords.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine a scenario where a website you use does not implement password salting. Explain the potential risks and how salting would mitigate these risks.