Password Hashing and Salting Tool - Technical & Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This guide outlines the development of a Password Hashing and Salting Tool designed to secure user passwords against unauthorized access. The tool uses robust cryptographic techniques to create strong, unique representations of passwords.
1.2 Scope
The tool is intended for integration into authentication systems, ensuring the security of user credentials for web applications, mobile apps, and enterprise systems.
1.3 Definitions & Acronyms
|
Acronym |
Definition |
|
Hashing |
The process of converting data into a fixed-length string |
|
Salt |
Random data added to a password before hashing |
|
PBKDF2 |
Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2 |
|
SHA |
Secure Hash Algorithm |
|
Authentication |
Verifying the identity of a user or process |
2. System Architecture
The architecture of the Password Hashing and Salting Tool
includes:
- **User Input**: Interface for users to input passwords.
- **Hashing Module**: Generates secure hashes using cryptographic algorithms.
- **Salting Mechanism**: Adds a unique salt to each password.
- **Database Interface**: Stores salted and hashed passwords securely.
3. Key Features
3.1 Hashing Algorithms
Uses robust algorithms like SHA-256, bcrypt, or PBKDF2 to hash passwords.
3.2 Salting
Adds unique random data to passwords before hashing, ensuring uniqueness even for identical passwords.
3.3 Integration Support
Provides APIs for easy integration into existing authentication systems.
4. Implementation Steps
1. **Setup Environment**: Install required libraries such as
`hashlib` and `bcrypt`.
2. **Design Salting Mechanism**: Generate unique salts for each password.
3. **Develop Hashing Module**: Implement chosen hashing algorithms.
4. **Build Database Interface**: Store salts and hashed passwords securely.
5. **Create APIs**: Develop endpoints for password hashing and verification.
6. **Testing**: Validate functionality with test cases.
5. Security Considerations
1. Use strong and unique salts for each password.
2. Avoid storing plaintext passwords.
3. Implement rate-limiting to prevent brute-force attacks.
6. Tools and Technologies
- **Programming Language**: Python, Java, or JavaScript
- **Libraries**: hashlib, bcrypt, or Argon2
- **Database**: MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB
- **Testing Tools**: Unit testing frameworks like PyTest or JUnit
7. Testing and Validation
1. Validate that hashed outputs are unique for the same
passwords with different salts.
2. Test system performance under high loads.
3. Check for vulnerabilities such as timing attacks.