MySQL - SHA1 Encryption

[Clicken]

When CREATING a table column using MyPHPAdmin there isn't a choice in the selection for SHA1, however when browsing the existing table entries, if I choose to edit a row then the option is there for SHA1, go figure.

I have found how to UPDATE my table password column to SHA1 but that will only effect the current rows.

MySQL column specs don't support function calls so; How can I get the password column to use SHA1 on newly added rows?

[DaveSawers]

SHA1 isn't a variable type, it's an encryption method that returns an encrypted string that you can save on your database as a binary(n) field. You then retrieve the value and decrypt it before using it.

[Clicken]

Thanks Dave.

After sitting up half the night studying the problem, that is what I was thinking, but not in those words exactly!

I need to post in the programming forum for help on how to save the password as an encryption.

[Shift4SMS]

Part of your problem might be how you are asking the question. SHA-1 is not an encryption algorithm; instead it's a hash. Hashes are not "decryptable" but they are very good for storing peoples passwords for authentication purposes -- unless you need the value to use to authenticate to another system. Sorry I can't answer your question; my knowledge of mySQL is minimal (I've used it barely).

[DaveSawers]

SHA-1 is not an encryption algorithm; instead it's a hash.

SHA is an acronym for Secure Hash Algorithm

[Clicken]

Just so we know; If SHA1 is a Secure HASH Algorithm is that different from an ENCRYPTION algorithm? Yii calls it encryption().

And,... i searched through many examples for getting the sha1 passed to the db before finding one that was applicable for my situation. Yeah, problem solved!

I found that the PHP can set the new table row for it upon creation. So actually the hash would be created on the db end, but I didn't like that method, it seems a bit unecesary since the framework already has methods for passing the hash.

[Shift4SMS]

Just so we know; If SHA1 is a Secure HASH Algorithm is that different from an ENCRYPTION algorithm? Yii calls it encryption().

Encryption implies decrypt able data. Hashes are not decrypt able.

Think of a hash as the sum of your data: 1+8+3+7+1+5+3+2=30, 30 would be the hash. With just 30, it's impossible to know the numbers used to create the value -- hence not decrypt able.