Storing passwords securely is fundamental to application security. Never store passwords in plain text. Instead, use strong cryptographic hashing algorithms like bcrypt, Argon2, or PBKDF2. These algorithms are designed to be slow and computationally expensive to prevent brute-force attacks.

Always use unique salts for each password before hashing. Salts prevent rainbow table attacks and ensure identical passwords hash to different values. Store only the hash and salt in your database - never the original password. Implement password policies requiring minimum length, complexity, and regular updates.

Consider using established authentication libraries that handle password security correctly. For web applications, implement HTTPS to protect passwords during transmission. Regularly audit your password storage implementation and stay updated with current security best practices.