Salt (Cryptography) Definition - Glossary

Salt (Cryptography) is a random value added to passwords before hashing to enhance security against attacks.

Salt (Cryptography) is a technique in cryptography that involves adding a unique, random value to passwords before they are hashed. This process strengthens security by ensuring that even identical passwords have different hash outputs. It protects against dictionary and rainbow table attacks, where attackers use precomputed tables to crack passwords. Salting ensures that each password has a unique hash, making it significantly harder for attackers to decipher the original password. In essence, salting enhances the security of stored passwords by adding an additional layer of complexity.