Security Strength
- pbkdf2:
PBKDF2 is considered secure, but its resistance to modern attacks is not as strong as Argon2. It relies on iterations to increase the time required to compute the hash, but it does not have the memory-hard properties that make Argon2 more resilient against certain attack vectors.
- bcrypt:
Bcrypt is known for its adaptive nature, meaning it can be configured to increase the computational cost over time as hardware improves. This makes it a reliable choice for long-term security, although it is not as resistant to GPU attacks compared to Argon2.
- argon2:
Argon2 is designed to resist both brute-force and side-channel attacks. It incorporates memory-hard functions, making it difficult for attackers to use specialized hardware to crack passwords. Its configurable parameters allow developers to adjust the memory and time cost, enhancing security based on current hardware capabilities.
Performance
- pbkdf2:
PBKDF2's performance can vary significantly based on the number of iterations specified. While it can be tuned for performance, it may not be as efficient as Argon2 or Bcrypt in terms of computational cost versus security.
- bcrypt:
Bcrypt is generally slower than traditional hashing algorithms like SHA-256, which is intentional to deter brute-force attacks. Its performance is consistent, but it may become a bottleneck in applications with extremely high user registration or login rates if not configured properly.
- argon2:
Argon2 can be slower than other algorithms due to its memory-hard design, which is beneficial for security but may impact performance in high-load scenarios. However, its performance can be tuned by adjusting parameters to balance security and speed based on application needs.
Ease of Use
- pbkdf2:
PBKDF2 is also relatively easy to use, with many libraries providing straightforward implementations. However, developers must be careful to choose appropriate iteration counts to ensure adequate security.
- bcrypt:
Bcrypt is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular choice among developers. Its API is intuitive, and it handles salting automatically, which reduces the likelihood of implementation errors.
- argon2:
Argon2 has a straightforward API, but its advanced configuration options may require a deeper understanding of security principles to use effectively. Developers may need to invest time in learning how to best configure its parameters for their specific use case.
Community Adoption
- pbkdf2:
PBKDF2 has been around for a long time and is supported by many platforms and libraries. While it is still a valid choice, its popularity has waned in favor of newer algorithms like Argon2 and Bcrypt.
- bcrypt:
Bcrypt has been widely adopted for many years and is considered a standard in password hashing. Its long-standing presence in the community means there is a wealth of resources, libraries, and examples available for developers.
- argon2:
Argon2 is gaining traction as the recommended hashing algorithm due to its modern design and security features. While it is not as widely adopted as Bcrypt yet, its recognition as the winner of the Password Hashing Competition is driving its popularity.
Configurability
- pbkdf2:
PBKDF2 allows for the specification of the number of iterations, which can be adjusted to increase security over time. However, it lacks the memory-hard properties of Argon2, making it less adaptable to modern attack vectors.
- bcrypt:
Bcrypt allows developers to set the cost factor, which determines the computational complexity of the hashing process. While it is less configurable than Argon2, it still provides a reasonable level of adaptability for most applications.
- argon2:
Argon2 offers extensive configurability, allowing developers to adjust memory usage, time cost, and parallelism. This flexibility enables developers to tailor the hashing process to their specific security requirements and hardware capabilities.
