Episode 15 — Explain Hashing, Integrity, and Secure Password Storage in Digital Trust
This episode deconstructs the role of hashing in ensuring data integrity and the critical methods for secure password storage in a modern infrastructure. We define a hash function as a "one-way" mathematical algorithm that produces a unique, fixed-length string of data, explaining why it is impossible to reverse-engineer the original input from the resulting hash. On the GISF exam, you must understand how hashing provides integrity by alerting you to any unauthorized changes in a file or message. We explore the importance of salting passwords—adding a random string before hashing—to protect against precomputed rainbow table attacks. Common algorithms like SHA-256 are discussed as professional replacements for deprecated ones like MD5. This technical clarity is vital for designing systems where user credentials and critical system files are protected from tampering and unauthorized disclosure. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
