Sure. That doesn't change the fact that storing passwords in a reversible way is a no-no. Advantages? Zero (I'm sure I'll get references to okcupid now..). Disadvantages: You are responsible for sensitive data and have lots of ways to mess it up.
And I didn't even touch problems that aren't related to outside attacks at all (You know, I don't even _want_ you or your customer support guy to be able to look at my password if you browse your customer database).
You do yourself a major disservice if you implicitly take responsibility for knowledge you shouldn't ever need in the first place.
And I didn't even touch problems that aren't related to outside attacks at all (You know, I don't even _want_ you or your customer support guy to be able to look at my password if you browse your customer database).
You do yourself a major disservice if you implicitly take responsibility for knowledge you shouldn't ever need in the first place.