Should Sensitive User Data be Stored in Separate Tables or Hashed?

Securing Sensitive User Data: Choosing Between Separate Tables and Hashing

Many web applications require storing user information, including sensitive login credentials. Typically, developers consider separating these details into distinct tables. However, is this the ideal approach for ensuring data security?

The Case for Hashing Passwords

While separating user information and login credentials may provide a layer of protection in theory, it's not a foolproof solution. If an attacker gains access to the database, they could still access data from either table.

A more secure practice is to never store passwords in plaintext. Instead, use a hashing algorithm like bcrypt to convert passwords into irreversible hashes. Additionally, include a salt during hashing to enhance complexity and prevent rainbow table attacks.

Database Structure Considerations

There's no need to store hashed passwords in a separate table from other user information. If one table is compromised, it's not difficult to access the other. However, consider using a separate data store for credentials, such as an LDAP directory server, for enhanced security.

Conclusion

Separating user information and login credentials into different tables can be misleading. A robust security approach requires using hashing algorithms to protect passwords instead of relying on table separation. Additionally, explore storing credentials in a different data store to implement security-in-depth measures.

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