python-bcrypt is a Python wrapper of OpenBSD"s Blowfish password hashing code, as described in "A Future-Adaptable Password Scheme" by Niels Provos and David Mazieres. This system hashes passwords using a version of Bruce Schneier"s Blowfish block cipher with modifications designed to raise the cost of off-line password cracking and frustrate fast hardware implementation. The computation cost of the algorithm is parametised, so it can be increased as computers get faster. The intent is to make a compromise of a password database less likely to result in an attacker gaining knowledge of the plaintext passwords .