How would you implement a feature in a .NET Core application to securely store and retrieve user credentials?
Technical
Security
C#
Entity Framework
This question assesses your understanding of core .NET development practices and security principles, which are critical for building robust applications.
How to answer
- Start by identifying secure storage solutions like encrypted databases or secure vaults
- Explain your implementation approach using .NET Core features (e.g., Entity Framework, dependency injection)
- Address password hashing techniques (e.g., PBKDF2, bcrypt) and their implementation
- Describe secure retrieval and handling of credentials at runtime
- Mention compliance with standards like OWASP Top 10 for security best practices
What not to say
- Using plain text or weak encryption for storing credentials
- Ignoring password hashing altogether
- Recommending insecure practices like storing secrets in configuration files
- Failing to discuss input validation or protection against brute-force attacks
Sample answer
“At Shopify Canada, I implemented secure credential storage by using Entity Framework with SQL Server encryption. I integrated bcrypt for password hashing during registration and used secure JWT tokens for authentication. This approach ensured compliance with OWASP standards while maintaining user data confidentiality.”
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