PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2) is a widely
adopted cryptographic algorithm used to securely hash passwords.
Below is a developer-friendly PBKDF2 password hashing and verification tool with
built-in security analysis.
Instantly generate hashes, validate passwords, inspect salt quality, and understand
the security posture of
your configuration through an easy-to-read security summary.
Looking for more secure password hashing?
Try Argon2,
which is resistant to GPU attacks.
Salt size:
{{vm.getSaltBytes(vm.hash.saltHex)}} bytes
({{vm.getSaltBytes(vm.hash.saltHex) * 8}}-bit, hex)
🔎 Verify PBKDF2 Hash
✔ Password verified successfully
✖ Password does not match
🔐 Security Summary
{{vm.securitySummary.level}}
Security Check
Value
Status
{{check.name}}
{{check.value}}
{{check.status}}
Warnings
{{w}}
Recommendations
{{r}}
Salt Details
Length:
{{vm.securitySummary.salt.bytes}} bytes
Strength:
{{vm.securitySummary.salt.strength}}
Hex
{{vm.securitySummary.salt.hex}}
Base64
{{vm.securitySummary.salt.base64}}
We do not store, log any key you enter.
This tool is intended for personal and educational use.
We suggest not to use online tools to protect real production secrets.
PBKDF2 is defined in RFC 8018 and is supported by most modern
programming
languages and security frameworks, including Java, Spring Security, .NET, and
OpenSSL.
Its security primarily depends on proper parameter selection such as iteration
count,
salt size, and key length.
Tool Usage and Capabilities
This online PBKDF2 tool allows developers and students to both
generate and verify PBKDF2 password hashes using
secure server-side cryptography.
Generate PBKDF2 hashes using SHA-256 or SHA-512
Automatic cryptographic salt generation (hex & Base64)
Configurable iteration count and derived key length
Password verification against an existing PBKDF2 hash
Detailed security summary with weak parameter detection
Beginner-friendly UI with developer-grade output
Verify PBKDF2 Password Hash
The verification feature allows you to check whether a plaintext password matches
a previously generated PBKDF2 hash.
During verification, the tool:
Parses the PBKDF2 hash to extract algorithm, salt, iterations, and key length
Recomputes the hash using the provided password
Performs a constant-time comparison to prevent timing attacks
Displays verification status along with a security analysis
This mirrors how password authentication works in real-world backend systems.
PBKDF2 Security Summary Explained
The Security Summary provides a clear, human-readable analysis of
the cryptographic strength of your PBKDF2 configuration.
Algorithm: Evaluates whether a secure hash function is used
Iterations: Checks resistance against brute-force attacks
Salt Strength: Ensures sufficient randomness and length
Any weak or outdated parameters are flagged with warnings and accompanied by
actionable recommendations to improve security.
PBKDF2 vs Argon2 vs bcrypt
While PBKDF2 is still widely used, it is important to understand how it compares
with newer password hashing algorithms.
Algorithm
Strengths
Limitations
PBKDF2
Standardized, configurable, widely supported
CPU-hard only, limited GPU resistance
bcrypt
Built-in salt, adaptive cost
Lower memory usage, slower to evolve
Argon2id
Memory-hard, GPU/ASIC resistant, modern design
Newer, less legacy support
For new applications, Argon2id is generally recommended.
PBKDF2 remains a solid choice where compliance, compatibility, or legacy systems
are a concern.
Yes, PBKDF2 is secure when used with a high iteration count, a strong hash
algorithm,
and a sufficiently long random salt. Poor parameter choices are the most common
cause of insecurity.
What iteration count should I use?
Current recommendations suggest at least 310,000 iterations
for PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA256, depending on your performance requirements.
Why is salt important?
A salt prevents attackers from using precomputed rainbow tables and ensures that
identical passwords produce different hashes.
Should I use PBKDF2 or Argon2?
Use Argon2id for new systems when possible.
Use PBKDF2 when standards compliance, interoperability, or platform support
is require
Support This Free Tool!
I build these tools to give you fast, secure, privacy-friendly utilities—free and
signup-free.
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new features.
