When it comes to handling user passwords in a login system, it is generally recommended to hash the passwords on the server side rather than on the client side. Here's why:
1. Protecting password during transmission: When hashing passwords on the client side, the hashed password would need to be transmitted from the client to the server. This introduces a potential security risk if the transmission is intercepted or compromised. On the other hand, transmitting the plain text password over a secure connection (e.g., HTTPS) from the client to the server allows the server to handle the hashing process securely.
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2. Secure hashing algorithms: Hashing algorithms are designed to be computationally expensive, making it difficult for an attacker to reverse-engineer the original password from the hash. Server-side hashing allows you to use industry-standard, well-tested hashing algorithms, such as bcrypt or Argon2, which have built-in security features like salting and work factor/tuning parameters. These algorithms are specifically designed for password hashing and are more secure than client-side hashing implementations.
3. Protecting against client-side attacks: Client-side hashing relies on the client's environment and code integrity. If an attacker can compromise the client-side code or manipulate the JavaScript, they could potentially manipulate or bypass the hashing process altogether. Server-side hashing ensures that the hashing process is controlled and secured on the server, reducing the risk of client-side attacks.
4. Flexibility for future changes: Storing hashed passwords on the server allows you to easily upgrade your hashing algorithm or adjust the work factor as needed in the future. If you were to hash passwords on the client side, changing the hashing algorithm or work factor would require all clients to be updated, which can be a challenging and time-consuming process.
In summary, it is generally recommended to pass the plain text password securely from the client to the server and perform the password hashing on the server side using a secure and well-tested hashing algorithm. This approach provides better protection for password storage and reduces the risk of various types of attacks.
