PHP is one of the famous open source programming language which can be used for client as well as for server scripting language for the web. Most of the web applications over the last decade have been built using PHP platform. Normally PHP applications consists of WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, Cake PHP, CodeIgnitor, etc. Ever since, we have started building web applications using PHP platform, security was the main concern. Much depends on the PHP developers on the way they code and how well they use the security features provided by the PHP platform.

At Matrix Marketers, we are building scalable and robust PHP applications for our clients spread all over the world. Our main focus is to develop a secure product with high quality. Here, we are discussing some security measures which the web developers can ensure in their web application.

1. Prevent access to administrative page

Every web application has an administrative page, which is used to manage and configure the app. Whenever you install a PHP-based app, always remember to either change script’s default directory name and remove installation script. This will prevent user to have an access to administrative page. There are many apps that automatically remove script after completion of the installation procedure. Another way to protect administrative directory or script is by creating an .htaccess file and uploading it to the administrative directory.

2. Protect your passwords in database

Always make sure that the passwords you store in your database are in encrypted format. Even if anyone gets an access to your database, they will not be able to read any of the passwords as they all will be stored in encrypted form. Always prefer using stronger encryption function as it will prevent a hacker to break your passwords.

3. Include/require files

It very common practice of reusing codes, using includes or require file command in the script. While you are using both these files in your script, make sure you save it with .php extension, otherwise, the codes of that file may be exposed to the outside word. Moreover, if you forget or don’t use .php extension, your file will not be processed and all the content of the file will be returned if someone types path of that file. Also, putting include/require files in a non-root directory is a good way to prevent their access publicly. You can also protect your directory containing includes/requires a file with the help of password.

4. Protect session data from hijacking

Everything when you log into your PHP web app, session data is generated. This session data contains sensitive information. If anyone tries to nose around your network and interrupt into your session cookies, he can use this information to access your account. Using someone’s id to get illegal access to users account is called as session hijacking. The best possible solution to session hijacking is the use of super global variables. With the help of computer’s IP and browser type, these super global variables generate complex session id. When user requests for a web page in a browser, it will generate a new session ID. When user returns to the page, server will calculate a new session id using IP information and browser type. Then this information is matched with the stored value in the user’s machine. If IP id or browser is different than the stored value, then server will presume that session id has been hijacked and user will be requested to authenticate.

5. Creating separate database user

If multiple PHP apps use same database server, then it is necessary from security perspective that you must create separate user for each app. If any one of the apps puts under suspicion, then other apps will not be affected and the extent of damage and security breach will be partial.

6. Secure your app by disabling PHP errors

Errors in your coding gives you an idea as a developer that what are the coding mistakes that you are doing. But these same errors can prove to be a good opportunity for hackers to breach the security of the website.

7. Avoid cross site scripting attack

There is a golden rule to protect your PHP app against cross site scripting attack. This rule states that any user generated data or input must be authenticated and cleaned. When you produce your data, employ output escaping.

These are just a few tips to scratch the surface of your PHP app security. It completely depends on the developers to ensure that apps they build are safe by acknowledging themselves about the risks to their app and the most common types of weaknesses and attacks.

Conclusion

Many new web languages are in direct competition with PHP platform. The JavaScript based NodeJS and Angular JS, Ruby on Rails and many other. In the future, PHP will maintain its no. 1 position only if it offers more secure and robust applications. We are a PHP development company and we understand the need of it. If you are looking for a secure PHP development to meet the industrial competition and to increase the profit margin from your online business then you may contact us!