Hashed Value Comparison during Registration

by

What Will You Learn?

In this tutorial, you will learn how to securely compare user input with hashed values stored in a database during registration using Python, Flask, and Werkzeug security. By understanding this process, you can enhance the security of user credentials on your web applications.

Introduction to the Problem and Solution

When users register on a website, safeguarding their passwords is crucial. One effective method is to hash passwords before storing them in a database. However, during subsequent logins, it’s essential to compare the entered password with the hashed value saved during registration securely. This guide will demonstrate how to achieve this comparison securely using Python with Flask and Werkzeug security.

To address this challenge effectively, we will utilize hashing functions provided by Werkzeug security module in combination with Flask for handling web requests. By comparing the hash of the user-provided password with the stored hashed value in our database during registration, we can ensure secure authentication processes.

Code

from flask import Flask
from werkzeug.security import generate_password_hash, check_password_hash

app = Flask(__name__)

# Simulating user registration - Storing password as hash in database
def register_user(username, password):
    hashed_pw = generate_password_hash(password)
    # Store 'username' and 'hashed_pw' in database

# Comparing user input during login against stored hash from database
def verify_user(username, password):
    # Fetch 'hashed_pw' corresponding to 'username' from database

    if check_password_hash(hashed_pw_from_db, password):
        return True  # Passwords match
    else:
        return False  # Passwords do not match

# Endpoint for user registration (Route for demonstration purposes only)
@app.route('/register', methods=['POST'])
def register():
    username = request.form['username']
    password = request.form['password']

    register_user(username=username,password=password)

# Endpoint for user login (Route for demonstration purposes only)
@app.route('/login', methods=['POST'])
def login():
    username = request.form['username']
    password = request.form['password']

    if verify_user(username=username,password=password):
        return "Login successful"
    else:
        return "Invalid credentials"

if __name__ == '__main__':
    app.run()

# Copyright PHD

Explanation

When a new user registers on our site (/register endpoint), we generate a hash of their provided plain-text password using generate_password_hash function from Werkzeug. This hash is then stored alongside their username in the database. During subsequent logins (/login endpoint), we retrieve the hashed password associated with the entered username from our simulated database and use check_password_hash function to compare it against the newly entered plain-text password. If both hashes match perfectly (indicating correct passwords), access is granted; otherwise denied.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How does hashing enhance security?

    • Hashing converts plaintext passwords into irreversible strings of characters. Even if someone gains unauthorized access to your data or system files containing these hashes, they cannot revert them back into original passwords easily.

  2. Why use Werkzeug’s hashing functions?

    • Werkzeug provides robust tools like generate_password_hash and check_password_hash, which simplify secure storage and comparison of hashed passwords without compromising safety standards.

  3. Is storing plain text passwords ever acceptable?

    • No! Storing plain text passwords poses significant security risks as anyone gaining access can misuse sensitive information easily. Always opt for secure practices like hashing.

  4. Can I implement additional layers of security along with hashing?

    • Yes! Alongside hashing mechanisms like those provided by Werkzeug library consider implementing other measures such as salting or pepper techniques for added protection against potential attacks like rainbow table assaults.

  5. What are some best practices for securing user credentials on websites?

    • Besides hashing passwords, ensure secure transmission over HTTPS protocols, enforce strong password policies, implement multi-factor authentication where possible, and regularly update your application’s security measures to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Conclusion

In conclusion , securing user information is paramount , especially when dealing with sensitive data such as account credentials . By leveraging cryptographic techniques like hashing along with industry-trusted libraries such as Werkzeug , developers can ensure that proper safeguards are implemented throughout every stage of authentication processes .

Leave a Comment