Online password protection
Password: password

© Lead Image © Kian Hwi Lim, 123RF.com
Securely storing passwords online can be a complex task. With a few tools, websites can offer better security, but users still need to choose their passwords wisely.
When it comes to password security on social networking sites, such as LinkedIn or XING, users usually have to rely on the website's claims. Because these sites are closed source applications, users don't know for sure how their passwords are protected. Often, by the time they find out, it may be too late. In 2012, for example, LinkedIn lost an estimated 6.5 million encrypted passwords. There may have been more as the company did not provide exact figures, because in 2016 a hacker offered to sell 117 million LinkedIn users' customer data [1].
Of all the types of stored data, user passwords are a particularly attractive target. One reason for this is that many users reuse a password for more than one site. Once an attacker has cracked a user's password on one site, they can use it to exploit other sites as well. Another reason is that the passwords many people choose are just too simple.
While all social networks store personal data, open source solutions, such as my project vutuv [2], are usually more open with their security approaches (see the box "Open Source Infrastructure"). Read on for a behind the scenes look at how our site goes about securely storing passwords.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
LibreOffice 25.2 Has Arrived
If you've been hoping for a release that offers more UI customizations, you're in for a treat.
-
TuxCare Has a Big AlmaLinux 9 Announcement in Store
TuxCare announced it has successfully completed a Security Technical Implementation Guide for AlmaLinux OS 9.
-
First Release Candidate for Linux Kernel 6.14 Now Available
Linus Torvalds has officially released the first release candidate for kernel 6.14 and it includes over 500,000 lines of modified code, making for a small release.
-
System76 Refreshes Meerkat Mini PC
If you're looking for a small form factor PC powered by Linux, System76 has exactly what you need in the Meerkat mini PC.
-
Gnome 48 Alpha Ready for Testing
The latest Gnome desktop alpha is now available with plenty of new features and improvements.
-
Wine 10 Includes Plenty to Excite Users
With its latest release, Wine has the usual crop of bug fixes and improvements, along with some exciting new features.
-
Linux Kernel 6.13 Offers Improvements for AMD/Apple Users
The latest Linux kernel is now available, and it includes plenty of improvements, especially for those who use AMD or Apple-based systems.
-
Gnome 48 Debuts New Audio Player
To date, the audio player found within the Gnome desktop has been meh at best, but with the upcoming release that all changes.
-
Plasma 6.3 Ready for Public Beta Testing
Plasma 6.3 will ship with KDE Gear 24.12.1 and KDE Frameworks 6.10, along with some new and exciting features.
-
Budgie 10.10 Scheduled for Q1 2025 with a Surprising Desktop Update
If Budgie is your desktop environment of choice, 2025 is going to be a great year for you.