step crypto kdf hash

step crypto kdf hash -- derive a secret key from a secret value (e.g., a password)

step crypto kdf hash uses a key derivation function (KDF) to produce a pseudorandom secret key based on some (presumably secret) input value. This is useful for password verification approaches based on password hashing. Key derivation functions are designed to be computationally intensive, making it more difficult for attackers to perform brute-force attacks on password databases.

If this command is run without the optional input argument and STDIN is a TTY (i.e., you're running the command in an interactive terminal and not piping input to it) you'll be prompted to enter a value on STDERR. If STDIN is not a TTY it will be read without prompting.

This command will produce a string encoding of the KDF output along with the algorithm used, salt, and any parameters required for validation in PHC string format.

The KDFs are run with parameters that are considered safe. The 'scrypt' parameters are currently fixed at N=32768, r=8 and p=1. The 'bcrypt' work factor is currently fixed at 10.

For examples, see step help crypto kdf.

input The input to the key derivation function. input is optional and its use is not recommended. If this argument is provided the --insecure flag must also be provided because your (presumably secret) input will likely be logged and appear in places you might not expect. If omitted input is read from STDIN.

--alg=algorithm The KDF algorithm to use.

algorithm must be one of: