What is Secure Password Authentication?

Secure password authentication refers to methods that enhance the traditional username and password process to protect against security threats such as phishing, brute-force attacks, and credential theft. Unlike basic password authentication, which transmits credentials in plain text, secure methods utilize encryption, hashing, and additional security layers to safeguard login information.

Common techniques include:

Password Hashing: Instead of storing plain-text passwords, they are hashed using cryptographic algorithms (e.g., bcrypt, SHA-256), so even if a database is compromised, the actual passwords remain protected.

Transport Layer Security (TLS/HTTPS): Encrypts data transmitted between the client and server, preventing interception during login.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds extra layers, like a one-time password (OTP) or biometrics, ensuring that even if a password is compromised, unauthorized access is still difficult.

These practices significantly improve password authentication security, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.