title: Hashing vs. Encrypting Passwords
body: <p>I'm using ASP.NET membership for a site that will serve primarily sophisticated users. I understand the difference between hashed and encrypted passwords, and I'm trying to decide between the two.</p>
  
  <p>After my last client complained bitterly about hashed passwords being a total PITA, I've started to favor encrypted passwords. But someone suggested this just isn't secure enough.</p>
  
  <p>So my question is: What, exactly are the risks of encrypting passwords? Any person with the ability to steal passwords by decrypting them from the database would surely have the ability to reset them if they were hashed, no? I'm having trouble seeing where someone could cause trouble with encrypted passwords but couldn't with hashed ones. Making it convenient for users is also important.</p>