How should user passwords be stored in a database?

How should user passwords be stored in a database?

User passwords should be stored as outputs of a suitable adaptive password-hashing algorithm, not as plaintext or reversible encrypted values. The application verifies a submitted password against the stored representation; it should not need to recover the original password.

Choose a maintained password-hashing library

OWASP recommends Argon2id for new systems, with appropriate alternatives for specific constraints. Use a maintained library that handles unique salts and verification correctly. A fast general-purpose hash such as SHA-256 alone is unsuitable for password storage. OWASP password-storage guidance.

Tune the work factor for the deployment and review it over time. Store the information the library needs to verify the hash, including its parameters and salt. Salts are not passwords and do not need to be hidden alongside the hash.

Integrate hashing into the account workflow

In a wedding application, signup should validate the submitted account data, hash the password on the trusted server, and store the resulting representation. Login should use the library's verification function rather than attempting to compare raw passwords or invent custom cryptography.

Keep password values out of logs, analytics events, API responses, and administrative screens. A profile endpoint should return only the account fields the interface needs. Even a password hash should not be included in a routine user response.

Test the behavior around the hash

Verify that successful signup creates no plaintext password field, correct credentials allow access, and incorrect credentials are rejected. Use synthetic test passwords and inspect only the relevant test records.

A password-reset feature should let the user choose a replacement after appropriate verification; it should never email the previous password. When an algorithm or its parameters need upgrading, plan a compatible migration, such as rehashing after successful authentication. Good storage is one part of account security, alongside session handling and abuse controls.