What is Salting?
Adding random data to a password before hashing it, so identical passwords produce different hash values.
Why It Matters
Salting prevents attackers from using pre-computed tables to crack multiple passwords at once.
Real-World Example
Two users with the password 'hunter2' will have completely different stored hashes because each has a unique salt.
“Understanding terms like Salting matters because it helps you have better conversations with developers and make smarter decisions about your software. You do not need to be technical. You just need to know enough to ask the right questions.”
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Related Terms
Authentication
The process of verifying who someone is, usually through a username and password
Encryption
Scrambling data so only authorised parties can read it
Hashing
Converting data into a fixed-length code that cannot be reversed to reveal the original
Authorisation
Determining what actions or data a verified user is allowed to access
OAuth
A standard that lets you log into apps using your existing accounts from Google, Facebook, or other providers
JWT (JSON Web Token)
A secure digital pass that proves who you are without needing to check the database every time