WordPress 6.8 is here, and one of the most significant changes is the switch to BCrypt for password hashing. This update enhances your website’s security by making passwords harder to crack. In this article, we’ll explore what this means for you as a WordPress business user or administrator, how it impacts your website, and what to do if you need to manually reset a user’s password.
What is BCrypt, and Why Does It Matter?
BCrypt is a robust hashing algorithm designed to protect passwords. Unlike MD5, which is fast but vulnerable to brute-force attacks, BCrypt is deliberately slow and adaptive, making it much more secure. Each password hashed with BCrypt includes a unique salt, further enhancing security by preventing precomputed attacks (e.g., rainbow tables).
Key Benefits of BCrypt Over MD5
- Increased Security: BCrypt is much harder to crack using brute-force methods.
- Adaptive Hashing: BCrypt remains secure by adjusting the hashing cost as computing power increases.
- Built-in Salting: Automatically adds a unique salt to each password, enhancing security.
What This Change Means for WordPress Users
For most WordPress users, this change is seamless. When a user logs in with their existing password, WordPress automatically rehashes it using BCrypt. New passwords are hashed with BCrypt by default. However, there are a few scenarios where you might need to take action, mainly if you manage user accounts manually.
How to Manually Reset User Passwords Using phpMyAdmin
In the past, resetting a password via phpMyAdmin often involved generating an MD5 hash. With BCrypt in play, this method is no longer recommended. Here’s how to handle manual password resets now:
Method 1: Use the Password Reset Functionality
This is the simplest and safest method if the user can access their email. Ensure email deliverability is reliable. Check with your web host if needed.
Method 2: Use WP-CLI
Run the following command to reset the password:
wp user update --user_pass="newpassword" [username]This method ensures BCrypt correctly hashes the new password
Method 3: Generate a BCrypt Hash in PHP
You can generate a BCrypt hash using PHP. Run the following code in a PHP environment:
echo password_hash("newpassword", PASSWORD_BCRYPT);Copy the generated hash and insert it directly into the user_pass field in the database using phpMyAdmin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a User Doesn’t Receive the Password Reset Email?
If email deliverability is an issue, you should address this with your web host. To improve reliability, consider using a dedicated SMTP service.
Can I Still Use MD5 to Reset Passwords Manually?
While MD5 hashes are no longer recommended, they remain supported. You can generate an MD5 hash using the MD5() function in SQL or an external tool and manually update the user_pass field.
What Are the Security Implications of Manually Resetting Passwords?
Manually inserting a hash into the database bypasses some security checks. Whenever possible, use the built-in password reset features or WP-CLI.
Will This Affect Existing Passwords?
No, existing passwords will automatically be rehashed with BCrypt the next time users log in.
Conclusion
The switch to BCrypt in WordPress 6.8 is a positive step forward for website security. While the change is mainly behind the scenes, understanding how to manage passwords securely, especially when resetting them manually, ensures your site remains protected.
If you have any questions or need help managing your WordPress site, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
