PHP Pass

Standard Library

PHP hash Functions

Hashing Data in PHP

PHP hash functions secure data with password_hash.

Understanding PHP hash Functions

PHP provides a set of hash functions that are essential for securing data, especially in the context of password management. Hashing is a one-way encryption process that transforms input data into a fixed-length string, making it ideal for storing passwords securely. PHP's password_hash function is particularly popular for this purpose.

The password_hash Function

The password_hash function is used to create a new password hash using a strong one-way hashing algorithm. By default, it uses the BCRYPT algorithm, which is designed to be computationally intense to resist brute-force attacks.

Verifying Passwords with password_verify

After storing a hashed password, you need to verify it when a user logs in. PHP provides the password_verify function to check if a given password matches the stored hash.

Using hash and hash_algos Functions

Besides password_hash, PHP offers the hash function for generating hashes with various algorithms such as SHA256 and MD5. Use hash_algos() to list available algorithms.

Best Practices for Using Hash Functions

When using hash functions in PHP, follow these best practices:

  • Always use password_hash for passwords, as it's designed for secure password storage.
  • Regularly update your hashing algorithm to the latest recommended standard.
  • Avoid using MD5 or SHA1 for password hashing due to known vulnerabilities.
  • Use salts and adaptive hashing algorithms to enhance security.

Standard Library

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