BCrypt encryption is a widely used cryptographic algorithm specifically designed for password hashing. It is a computationally intensive and salted hashing function that provides strong security against password-based attacks. The main purpose of BCrypt encryption is to convert plain-text passwords into irreversible hash values that can be securely stored in databases or systems.
The BCrypt algorithm employs a combination of cryptographic techniques, including the Blowfish cipher and a configurable cost factor known as the "work factor." The work factor determines the computational cost and the strength of the resulting hash. By increasing the work factor, the algorithm becomes slower and more resource-intensive, making it more difficult for attackers to guess or crack passwords through brute-force or dictionary attacks.
One of the key features of BCrypt encryption is the use of a random salt value for each password. A salt is a unique and random string that is appended to the password before hashing, adding complexity and preventing the use of precomputed tables (such as rainbow tables) for password recovery. This ensures that even if two users have the same password, their hashed values will be different.
BCrypt encryption is widely recommended for securely storing passwords in databases or user authentication systems. It provides a robust defense against common password attacks and is considered one of the best practices for password storage in modern applications.