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What’s the right way to handle password resets securely?

Asked on Oct 07, 2025

Answer

To handle password resets securely, use a token-based system where a unique, temporary token is sent to the user's registered email, allowing them to reset their password without exposing sensitive information.

Example Concept: A secure password reset process involves generating a cryptographically secure token, storing it with an expiration time in the database, and sending it to the user's email. The user can then use this token to access a password reset form. The token should be single-use and expire after a short period, such as 15 minutes, to minimize risk.

Additional Comment:
  • Ensure the token is stored securely using a hash function to prevent exposure if the database is compromised.
  • Use HTTPS to encrypt the communication between the client and server during the password reset process.
  • Implement rate limiting to prevent abuse of the password reset functionality.

✅ Answered with Security best practices.


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