How can you securely store and retrieve passwords in PHP applications?

How to Securely Store and Retrieve Passwords in PHP Applications

Ensuring secure password handling is a critical part of any PHP-based application. Here are the best practices to protect user credentials:

1. Use password_hash() for Secure Storage

Always use the password_hash() function to hash user passwords before storing them in your database. It uses strong algorithms like bcrypt and automatically generates a unique salt for each password, making it resistant to rainbow table attacks.

$hashedPassword = password_hash($userPassword, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);

2. Use password_verify() for Authentication

To authenticate users, use password_verify() to check the entered password against the stored hash:

if (password_verify($inputPassword, $storedHash)) {
    // Password is correct
} else {
    // Invalid credentials
}

3. Always Use HTTPS

Encrypt all data in transit using HTTPS. This prevents attackers from intercepting passwords during form submissions.

4. Keep PHP and Dependencies Updated

Regularly update your PHP version and third-party libraries to patch known security vulnerabilities and ensure optimal performance.

5. Additional Security Tips

• Use rate limiting and CAPTCHA to prevent brute-force attacks.
• Implement account lock