How do timing attacks exploit variations in execution time to infer sensitive information from a system?
Timing attacks are a sophisticated class of side-channel attacks that exploit the variations in the time it takes for a system to execute cryptographic algorithms or other sensitive operations. These variations can be measured and analyzed to infer sensitive information, such as cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data. The fundamental principle behind timing attacks
What is the purpose of hashing passwords before storing them in a database?
In the realm of cybersecurity, the protection of user passwords is of utmost importance. One commonly employed technique to safeguard passwords is hashing them before storing them in a database. Hashing is a cryptographic process that converts plain-text passwords into a fixed-length string of characters. This technique serves multiple purposes, all aimed at enhancing the
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Server security, Local HTTP server security, Examination review
How does the bcrypt library handle password salting and hashing automatically?
The bcrypt library is a widely used and highly regarded cryptographic library that provides a secure and efficient way to handle password salting and hashing in web applications. It automates the process of generating and verifying password hashes, making it easier for developers to implement strong authentication mechanisms. When it comes to password security, it
How does salting enhance password security, and why is it important to use stronger hash functions?
Salting is a technique used to enhance password security in web applications. It involves adding a random value, known as a salt, to each password before hashing it. This salt is then stored alongside the hashed password in the database. The primary purpose of salting is to defend against precomputed rainbow table attacks, where an
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Authentication, Introduction to authentication, Examination review
Explain the concept of a one-way function in the context of password hashing.
A one-way function is a fundamental concept in the context of password hashing, which plays a important role in ensuring the security of web applications. In this explanation, we will consider the concept of one-way functions, their characteristics, and their significance in password hashing. A one-way function, also known as a trapdoor function, is a
What are the risks of storing passwords in plain text?
Storing passwords in plain text poses significant risks to the security of web applications. In the field of cybersecurity, the practice of storing passwords in plain text is widely regarded as a poor security practice due to the potential for unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive user information. This answer will provide a detailed and
Why is it important to hash passwords before storing them in a database?
Passwords are a fundamental component of authentication in web applications. They serve as a means for users to verify their identity and gain access to restricted resources or services. However, the security of passwords is a critical concern, as compromised passwords can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential harm to individuals and organizations.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when implementing authentication systems, such as password truncation and character restrictions?
When implementing authentication systems for web applications, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the security and effectiveness of the system. Two such mistakes are password truncation and character restrictions. In this answer, we will explore these mistakes in detail and explain why they should be avoided. Password truncation refers to the
Why are short passwords more vulnerable to cracking attempts?
Short passwords are more vulnerable to cracking attempts due to several reasons. Firstly, shorter passwords have a smaller search space, which refers to the number of possible combinations that an attacker needs to try in order to guess the correct password. This means that it takes less time for an attacker to exhaust all possible
What are the potential risks associated with using weak or breached passwords?
Using weak or breached passwords poses significant risks to the security of web applications. In the field of cybersecurity, it is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. This answer will provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the potential risks associated with using weak or breached passwords, highlighting their
- Published in Cybersecurity, EITC/IS/WASF Web Applications Security Fundamentals, Authentication, Introduction to authentication, Examination review
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