crypto-js vs sjcl vs bcryptjs vs node-forge
JavaScript Cryptography Libraries
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JavaScript Cryptography Libraries

Cryptography libraries in JavaScript provide developers with tools to secure data through encryption, hashing, and other security protocols. These libraries are essential for protecting sensitive information, ensuring data integrity, and implementing secure authentication mechanisms in web applications. The choice of library can significantly impact the security and performance of an application, making it crucial to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each option available.

Npm Package Weekly Downloads Trend

3 Years

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Stat Detail

Package
Downloads
Stars
Size
Issues
Publish
License
crypto-js12,254,56016,382487 kB2752 years agoMIT
sjcl204,9027,232-1177 years ago(BSD-2-Clause OR GPL-2.0-only)
bcryptjs03,784112 kB14 months agoBSD-3-Clause
node-forge05,2711.64 MB4583 months ago(BSD-3-Clause OR GPL-2.0)

Feature Comparison: crypto-js vs sjcl vs bcryptjs vs node-forge

Primary Use Case

  • crypto-js:

    crypto-js is a general-purpose cryptography library that supports multiple encryption and hashing algorithms, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including data encryption and integrity verification.

  • sjcl:

    sjcl is focused on client-side encryption and is optimized for performance and security, making it ideal for applications that need to encrypt data in the browser.

  • bcryptjs:

    bcryptjs is primarily used for securely hashing passwords. It is designed to be slow to thwart brute-force attacks, making it ideal for user authentication systems.

  • node-forge:

    node-forge is a comprehensive library that can handle various cryptographic tasks such as encryption, decryption, and certificate management, making it suitable for applications that require secure communications and data protection.

Performance

  • crypto-js:

    crypto-js offers a balance between performance and security, allowing for fast encryption and decryption processes. However, performance can vary based on the chosen algorithm.

  • sjcl:

    sjcl is designed for performance and is lightweight, making it suitable for client-side applications where speed is essential without sacrificing security.

  • bcryptjs:

    bcryptjs is slower than many other hashing algorithms due to its design, which is intentional to enhance security. This makes it less suitable for scenarios requiring high-speed hashing but excellent for password storage.

  • node-forge:

    node-forge is relatively performant but can be slower than specialized libraries for specific tasks due to its comprehensive feature set. It is best used where flexibility is needed over raw speed.

Security Features

  • crypto-js:

    crypto-js provides a variety of encryption algorithms, but developers must ensure proper implementation to avoid vulnerabilities. It does not include built-in salting for hashes, requiring additional care.

  • sjcl:

    sjcl implements modern cryptographic algorithms and practices, ensuring strong security for client-side encryption, but developers must be cautious about potential pitfalls in implementation.

  • bcryptjs:

    bcryptjs includes built-in salting and is resistant to rainbow table attacks, making it a secure choice for password hashing.

  • node-forge:

    node-forge supports various cryptographic standards and protocols, providing a robust security framework for applications that require secure communications.

Ease of Use

  • crypto-js:

    crypto-js has a more complex API due to its wide range of features, which may require a steeper learning curve for new users.

  • sjcl:

    sjcl is designed to be easy to use with a simple API, making it accessible for developers looking to implement encryption quickly.

  • bcryptjs:

    bcryptjs has a straightforward API specifically for password hashing, making it easy to implement for developers focused on authentication.

  • node-forge:

    node-forge offers a comprehensive API that can be complex for beginners but provides extensive documentation to assist developers in implementation.

Community and Support

  • crypto-js:

    crypto-js is also widely used, with a decent community and resources, but may not have as extensive support as some other libraries.

  • sjcl:

    sjcl has a smaller community compared to others, but it is well-documented and supported by its maintainers, making it reliable for developers.

  • bcryptjs:

    bcryptjs has a strong community and is widely used, ensuring good support and documentation available for developers.

  • node-forge:

    node-forge has a dedicated community and is actively maintained, providing good support and updates for developers.

How to Choose: crypto-js vs sjcl vs bcryptjs vs node-forge

  • crypto-js:

    Select crypto-js for a versatile library that supports various encryption algorithms and hashing functions. It is suitable for applications that require both symmetric and asymmetric encryption, as well as hashing, and is easy to integrate into existing projects.

  • sjcl:

    Choose sjcl for a lightweight and efficient library focused on modern cryptographic algorithms. It is particularly useful for client-side encryption and offers a simple API for developers looking to implement cryptography without the overhead of larger libraries.

  • bcryptjs:

    Choose bcryptjs if you need a reliable solution for hashing passwords securely. It is specifically designed for this purpose and implements the bcrypt hashing algorithm, which is resistant to brute-force attacks and includes a salt to enhance security.

  • node-forge:

    Opt for node-forge if you need a comprehensive toolkit for implementing cryptographic protocols, including TLS. It provides a wide range of features, including certificate generation and management, making it ideal for applications that require complex cryptographic operations.

Similar Npm Packages to crypto-js

crypto-js is a widely used JavaScript library designed for cryptographic operations. It provides a variety of cryptographic algorithms, including hashing, encryption, and decryption, making it a versatile tool for developers looking to implement security features in their applications. While crypto-js is a robust solution for cryptographic needs, there are several alternatives available in the JavaScript ecosystem. Here are a few notable ones:

  • bcrypt is a popular library specifically designed for hashing passwords. It implements the bcrypt hashing algorithm, which is known for its strength and resistance to brute-force attacks. bcrypt is an excellent choice for developers who need to securely store user passwords, as it provides built-in salting and hashing mechanisms that enhance security. If your primary focus is on password hashing and user authentication, bcrypt is a reliable option.
  • node-forge is a comprehensive library that provides a wide range of cryptographic functionalities, including encryption, decryption, signing, and verification. It is designed to work in both Node.js and browser environments, making it a versatile choice for developers. node-forge supports various cryptographic standards and protocols, making it suitable for applications that require more than just basic cryptographic operations. If you need a full-featured cryptographic library that can handle complex tasks, node-forge is a strong candidate.
  • sjcl (Stanford Javascript Crypto Library) is another lightweight library that focuses on providing secure cryptographic functions. It includes various algorithms for encryption, decryption, hashing, and key derivation. sjcl is designed to be easy to use and integrate into web applications, making it a good choice for developers who need a straightforward cryptographic solution. If you are looking for a simple yet effective library for basic cryptographic tasks, sjcl is worth considering.

To explore how crypto-js compares with bcrypt, node-forge, and sjcl, check out the comparison: Comparing bcrypt vs crypto-js vs node-forge vs sjcl.

Similar Npm Packages to sjcl

sjcl (Stanford Javascript Crypto Library) is a robust library for cryptographic operations in JavaScript. It provides a wide range of cryptographic functions, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and key generation. SJCL is designed to be secure and efficient, making it suitable for applications that require strong cryptographic capabilities. However, there are several alternatives that developers can consider depending on their specific needs:

  • bcryptjs is a library specifically designed for hashing passwords. It implements the bcrypt algorithm, which is widely regarded as one of the most secure methods for hashing passwords due to its adaptive nature. bcryptjs is a pure JavaScript implementation, making it easy to use in both Node.js and browser environments. If your primary goal is to securely hash and verify passwords, bcryptjs is an excellent choice.
  • crypto-js is a widely used library that provides a variety of cryptographic algorithms, including AES, SHA, HMAC, and more. It is designed for both browser and Node.js environments, making it versatile for different applications. crypto-js is particularly useful for developers looking for a comprehensive set of cryptographic functions without the need for complex setup. If you need a library that covers a broad range of cryptographic needs, crypto-js is a solid option.
  • node-forge is another powerful library for cryptography in JavaScript. It offers a wide array of cryptographic functionalities, including SSL/TLS, PKI, and various encryption algorithms. node-forge is particularly well-suited for applications that require advanced cryptographic features, such as certificate handling and secure communication. If you are building applications that need extensive cryptographic capabilities, node-forge may be the right choice.

To see how sjcl compares with bcryptjs, crypto-js, and node-forge, check out the comparison: Comparing bcryptjs vs crypto-js vs node-forge vs sjcl.

Similar Npm Packages to bcryptjs

bcryptjs is a popular library for hashing passwords in JavaScript applications. It is a pure JavaScript implementation of the bcrypt hashing algorithm, which is widely used for securely storing passwords. bcryptjs allows developers to easily hash and compare passwords, providing a robust solution for user authentication. While bcryptjs is a solid choice for password hashing, there are several alternatives available in the ecosystem. Here are a few notable ones:

  • argon2 is a modern password hashing algorithm that is designed to be secure against various types of attacks, including GPU-based attacks. It is the winner of the Password Hashing Competition and offers features such as configurable memory and time cost, making it a highly adaptable option for different security needs. If you are looking for a cutting-edge solution for password hashing that prioritizes security and performance, argon2 is an excellent choice.
  • bcrypt is the original C implementation of the bcrypt hashing algorithm. It is widely used in many applications and offers a strong level of security for password storage. While it requires native bindings, it is known for its efficiency and performance. If you are comfortable with native modules and want to leverage the original implementation of bcrypt, this library is a great option.
  • bcrypt-nodejs is another JavaScript implementation of the bcrypt hashing algorithm. It is similar to bcryptjs but is designed to work without native bindings, making it easier to install and use in environments where native modules may pose challenges. While it may not be as actively maintained as other options, it can still serve as a viable alternative for password hashing in JavaScript applications.

For a comprehensive comparison of these libraries, check out the following link: Comparing argon2 vs bcrypt vs bcrypt-nodejs vs bcryptjs.

Similar Npm Packages to node-forge

node-forge is a powerful JavaScript library that provides a variety of cryptographic functionalities, including encryption, decryption, hashing, and certificate generation. It is designed to be used in both Node.js and browser environments, making it a versatile choice for developers looking to implement cryptography in their applications. With its comprehensive set of features, node-forge is particularly useful for projects that require secure data transmission and storage.

One notable alternative to node-forge is crypto-js. This library is also focused on cryptographic operations and provides a range of algorithms for hashing and encryption. crypto-js is lightweight and easy to use, making it a popular choice for developers who need basic cryptographic functions without the overhead of a more extensive library. It is particularly well-suited for applications that require simple encryption and hashing, such as securing user passwords or data in transit.

While both libraries serve similar purposes, they cater to different needs. node-forge offers a more extensive set of features, including support for various cryptographic protocols and formats, which makes it ideal for complex applications requiring robust security measures. On the other hand, crypto-js is perfect for simpler use cases where ease of use and lightweight functionality are prioritized.

For a detailed comparison of these two packages, check out the link: Comparing crypto-js vs node-forge.

README for crypto-js

crypto-js

JavaScript library of crypto standards.

Discontinued

Active development of CryptoJS has been discontinued. This library is no longer maintained.

Nowadays, NodeJS and modern browsers have a native Crypto module. The latest version of CryptoJS already uses the native Crypto module for random number generation, since Math.random() is not crypto-safe. Further development of CryptoJS would result in it only being a wrapper of native Crypto. Therefore, development and maintenance has been discontinued, it is time to go for the native crypto module.

Node.js (Install)

Requirements:

  • Node.js
  • npm (Node.js package manager)
npm install crypto-js

Usage

ES6 import for typical API call signing use case:

import sha256 from 'crypto-js/sha256';
import hmacSHA512 from 'crypto-js/hmac-sha512';
import Base64 from 'crypto-js/enc-base64';

const message, nonce, path, privateKey; // ...
const hashDigest = sha256(nonce + message);
const hmacDigest = Base64.stringify(hmacSHA512(path + hashDigest, privateKey));

Modular include:

var AES = require("crypto-js/aes");
var SHA256 = require("crypto-js/sha256");
...
console.log(SHA256("Message"));

Including all libraries, for access to extra methods:

var CryptoJS = require("crypto-js");
console.log(CryptoJS.HmacSHA1("Message", "Key"));

Client (browser)

Requirements:

  • Node.js
  • Bower (package manager for frontend)
bower install crypto-js

Usage

Modular include:

require.config({
    packages: [
        {
            name: 'crypto-js',
            location: 'path-to/bower_components/crypto-js',
            main: 'index'
        }
    ]
});

require(["crypto-js/aes", "crypto-js/sha256"], function (AES, SHA256) {
    console.log(SHA256("Message"));
});

Including all libraries, for access to extra methods:

// Above-mentioned will work or use this simple form
require.config({
    paths: {
        'crypto-js': 'path-to/bower_components/crypto-js/crypto-js'
    }
});

require(["crypto-js"], function (CryptoJS) {
    console.log(CryptoJS.HmacSHA1("Message", "Key"));
});

Usage without RequireJS

<script type="text/javascript" src="path-to/bower_components/crypto-js/crypto-js.js"></script>
<script type="text/javascript">
    var encrypted = CryptoJS.AES(...);
    var encrypted = CryptoJS.SHA256(...);
</script>

API

See: https://cryptojs.gitbook.io/docs/

AES Encryption

Plain text encryption

var CryptoJS = require("crypto-js");

// Encrypt
var ciphertext = CryptoJS.AES.encrypt('my message', 'secret key 123').toString();

// Decrypt
var bytes  = CryptoJS.AES.decrypt(ciphertext, 'secret key 123');
var originalText = bytes.toString(CryptoJS.enc.Utf8);

console.log(originalText); // 'my message'

Object encryption

var CryptoJS = require("crypto-js");

var data = [{id: 1}, {id: 2}]

// Encrypt
var ciphertext = CryptoJS.AES.encrypt(JSON.stringify(data), 'secret key 123').toString();

// Decrypt
var bytes  = CryptoJS.AES.decrypt(ciphertext, 'secret key 123');
var decryptedData = JSON.parse(bytes.toString(CryptoJS.enc.Utf8));

console.log(decryptedData); // [{id: 1}, {id: 2}]

List of modules

  • crypto-js/core
  • crypto-js/x64-core
  • crypto-js/lib-typedarrays
  • crypto-js/md5
  • crypto-js/sha1
  • crypto-js/sha256
  • crypto-js/sha224
  • crypto-js/sha512
  • crypto-js/sha384
  • crypto-js/sha3
  • crypto-js/ripemd160
  • crypto-js/hmac-md5
  • crypto-js/hmac-sha1
  • crypto-js/hmac-sha256
  • crypto-js/hmac-sha224
  • crypto-js/hmac-sha512
  • crypto-js/hmac-sha384
  • crypto-js/hmac-sha3
  • crypto-js/hmac-ripemd160
  • crypto-js/pbkdf2
  • crypto-js/aes
  • crypto-js/tripledes
  • crypto-js/rc4
  • crypto-js/rabbit
  • crypto-js/rabbit-legacy
  • crypto-js/evpkdf
  • crypto-js/format-openssl
  • crypto-js/format-hex
  • crypto-js/enc-latin1
  • crypto-js/enc-utf8
  • crypto-js/enc-hex
  • crypto-js/enc-utf16
  • crypto-js/enc-base64
  • crypto-js/mode-cfb
  • crypto-js/mode-ctr
  • crypto-js/mode-ctr-gladman
  • crypto-js/mode-ofb
  • crypto-js/mode-ecb
  • crypto-js/pad-pkcs7
  • crypto-js/pad-ansix923
  • crypto-js/pad-iso10126
  • crypto-js/pad-iso97971
  • crypto-js/pad-zeropadding
  • crypto-js/pad-nopadding

Release notes

4.2.0

Change default hash algorithm and iteration's for PBKDF2 to prevent weak security by using the default configuration.

Custom KDF Hasher

Blowfish support

4.1.1

Fix module order in bundled release.

Include the browser field in the released package.json.

4.1.0

Added url safe variant of base64 encoding. 357

Avoid webpack to add crypto-browser package. 364

4.0.0

This is an update including breaking changes for some environments.

In this version Math.random() has been replaced by the random methods of the native crypto module.

For this reason CryptoJS might not run in some JavaScript environments without native crypto module. Such as IE 10 or before or React Native.

3.3.0

Rollback, 3.3.0 is the same as 3.1.9-1.

The move of using native secure crypto module will be shifted to a new 4.x.x version. As it is a breaking change the impact is too big for a minor release.

3.2.1

The usage of the native crypto module has been fixed. The import and access of the native crypto module has been improved.

3.2.0

In this version Math.random() has been replaced by the random methods of the native crypto module.

For this reason CryptoJS might does not run in some JavaScript environments without native crypto module. Such as IE 10 or before.

If it's absolute required to run CryptoJS in such an environment, stay with 3.1.x version. Encrypting and decrypting stays compatible. But keep in mind 3.1.x versions still use Math.random() which is cryptographically not secure, as it's not random enough.

This version came along with CRITICAL BUG.

DO NOT USE THIS VERSION! Please, go for a newer version!

3.1.x

The 3.1.x are based on the original CryptoJS, wrapped in CommonJS modules.

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