What does the Windows SAM file store?

What does the Windows SAM file store?

• A. Plaintext passwords
• B. Encryption keys
• C. Password hashes
• D. Usernames only

Answer: (C)

Windows stores credential data in the Security Account Manager (SAM) database, and the key part of what it holds is password hashes. When you log in, Windows hashes the password you enter and compares that hash to the stored one to authenticate you. It does not keep plaintext passwords, nor does it store encryption keys in the SAM. So the information the SAM provides for verification are the password hashes, making that option the correct one.

Windows stores credential data in the Security Account Manager (SAM) database, and the key part of what it holds is password hashes. When you log in, Windows hashes the password you enter and compares that hash to the stored one to authenticate you. It does not keep plaintext passwords, nor does it store encryption keys in the SAM. So the information the SAM provides for verification are the password hashes, making that option the correct one.