Question

In which table does MySQL store passwords for user accounts?

a) user_privileges
b) credentials
c) user_passwords
d) mysql.user

Answer 1

MySQL stores user account passwords in the mysql.user table, which includes various account settings and privileges. Passwords are stored as hashes to bolster security, preventing plaintext visibility.

Step-by-step explanation:

In MySQL, the passwords for user accounts are stored in a table known as mysql.user. This table contains important information about each user, including their passwords, privileges, and other important account settings. When administering MySQL databases, access to this table is tightly controlled as it is essential for the security of the database system.

Passwords within the mysql.user table are typically stored in a hashed format to enhance security. This means that you cannot see actual passwords in plain text; instead, you see a cryptographic hash that represents the password. When a user attempts to log in, MySQL hashes the inputted password and compares it to the stored hash in the mysql.user table.