Password Encryption: Why is it so Important?
- Privacy
Overview
A password is a way for us to protect our identity and privacy online. But do you know how your password is encrypted? What does password encryption mean? What types and methods are there? Is it secure enough? This article will answer these questions for you.
Contents
What is the process of password encryption?
What types and methods of password encryption are there?
Why is password encryption important, and is it secure?
Examples of password encryption
Password encryption is not enough, use MetroVPN to ensure secure online browsing
What is password encryption?
Password encryption is the process of converting the password you enter for a website into a form that can be securely stored or transmitted. Password encryption is a method to protect your credentials in the event of a data breach, so even if hackers were able to crack the password storage server, they would only get useless gibberish.
What is the process of password encryption?
Password encryption involves converting your plaintext password (the sequence of characters you enter) into ciphertext (random characters obtained) using an encryption key. The ciphertext version of the password can be securely stored on a server, saved to a password manager, or sent elsewhere. Password encryption is a reversible process, and with the correct decryption key, the ciphertext can be restored to your plaintext password.
What types and methods of password encryption are there?
Password encryption techniques can generally be divided into four types:
① Symmetric Encryption
Symmetric encryption refers to the method of using the same key to encrypt and decrypt data. There are many symmetric encryption algorithms, such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES), and Blowfish. The advantage of symmetric encryption is its speed, but it requires secure distribution and storage of the key.
② Asymmetric Encryption
Asymmetric encryption refers to the method of using a pair of different keys to encrypt and decrypt data. One key is called the public key and can be openly used by anyone, while the other key is called the private key and can only be held by the owner. There are many asymmetric encryption algorithms, such as Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA), Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), and Diffie-Hellman. The advantage of asymmetric encryption is its high security, but it is slower in speed.
③ Hashing
Hashing refers to the process of converting arbitrary length data into a fixed-length string. There are many hash functions, such as Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA), Message Digest Algorithm (MD5), and bcrypt. The characteristic of a hash function is that it is irreversible, meaning the original data cannot be derived from the hash value. Hash functions are commonly used for user authentication, where websites store the hashed version of the user's input password in a database and only compare the hash values when the user logs in again.
④ Salting
Salting is a method of enhancing security in hash functions by adding some random characters. Salting can prevent hackers from using tools like rainbow tables to crack hash values. Salting is typically done by concatenating the salt value with the user's input password before hashing.
Why is password encryption important, and is it secure?
Password encryption is one of the important means to protect your online accounts and data from being stolen or misused by hackers . If you use the same or similar passwords for multiple websites, then if one website experiences a data breach, you may face the risk of other accounts being compromised or maliciously accessed. However, if you use different and complex passwords and ensure they are stored or transmitted through appropriate encryption methods, you can greatly reduce this risk.
The security of password encryption depends on the encryption method and the strength of the key you use . Generally, the more complex the encryption method and the longer the key, the harder it is to crack the password. However, there is no encryption method that is absolutely secure, as hackers are constantly seeking new attack methods and vulnerabilities. Therefore, you cannot rely solely on password encryption to protect your security; you need to take other measures as well.
Examples of password encryption
Here are some examples of password encryption:
① Online shopping
When you shop online, you need to enter your credit card information. This information is sent to the merchant or payment platform server using symmetric or asymmetric encryption to prevent eavesdropping or tampering.
② Password manager
When you use a password manager, you can store all your passwords in a secure place. These passwords are encrypted using symmetric or asymmetric encryption and stored locally or in the cloud to prevent leakage or theft.
③ Social media accounts
When you register on social media, you need to set a password. This password is stored in the website's database using hashing and salting to prevent cracking or brute force guessing.
Password encryption is not enough, use MetroVPN to ensure secure online browsing
Although password encryption can enhance your security, it is not enough. You also need to consider whether your online activities are being monitored or tracked . When using public WiFi or accessing restricted or sensitive websites, you may expose your real IP address, geographic location, browsing history, and other information to third parties. This information can be used for targeted advertising, identity theft, political manipulation, and other purposes.
To avoid these risks, you can use MetroVPN to ensure secure online browsing. MetroVPN is an excellent VPN service that allows you to connect to the internet through a virtual private network, hiding your real IP address, geographic location, browsing history, and other information. MetroVPN also allows you to access blocked or censored websites like Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and more.
