When was the last time you heard about a website getting hacked? Maybe today only! Isn't it? Data attacks have become so common these days. You know why? Developers write enough code but at some point, they accidentally write a vulnerability which compromises the website security. Being the website owner it's such a pain when you encounter security issues in your own website. Agree? It becomes necessary to safeguard your website from data threats at any cost, otherwise, you'll stand nowhere in the industry.

Top PHP security issues

PHP is one of the most popular programming languages which is widely used for developing dynamic websites. However, as the web servers are publically accessible, there arises a higher chance of security attacks. So, it's high time of making you aware of all the major possible data vulnerabilities in PHP and obviously, the tactics to overcome and avoid those attacks. So, here is a list of most popular PHP attacks and ways to overcome them smartly. Get a quick overview and protect your website at the earliest!

1) SQL Injection

SQL injection is a form of a hacking attempt which mainly targets the web apps and websites which are linked to and interact with the database. The attackers add some SQL queries to the database and try to modify the tables or if possible, they might delete the complete database. This attack might happen when developers fail to check those areas of the website where data from external sources was inserted.

How to prevent SQL injection?

Before the data is inserted into the website, it must be verified, validated, and cleaned thoroughly. The confidential data must be kept encrypted and you need to reduce the permissions granted on your database.

2) Remote File Inclusion and Remote Code Execution

This data attack permits a malicious party to enter your web server or client side to run a code and leave a malicious file into the server. The main reason behind this activity could be an improper use of require() and include() functions.

How to prevent Remote File Inclusion and Remote Code Execution?

You need to make OFF the register_globals directive and whenever you need to turn it ON, make sure all the variables are properly initialized. Moreover, you need to restrict user privileges, this will help you a large extent while safeguarding the website data.

3) Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross site scripting is the most common type of hacking attempt where the hacker infects the web page with a malicious client-side script. As soon as the user opens this page, the script gets downloaded to the browser and executes thereafter. 

How to prevent XSS

You need to thoroughly test the website before you get it launched. Use escape functions to escape the characters which compromise the HTML and JavaScript syntax. As an alternative to this, you can use bbcodes.

4) Session and Cookie Hacking

Session and cookie hacking doesn't breach the database but it compromises your user accounts. Whenever a user initiates a contact with your website, a session ID Is created which the hacker tries to hack. This session fixation process allows the hacker to alter the data and misuse the customers' credentials and other sensitive information.

How to prevent Session and Cookie Hacking

To prevent session and cookie hacking, you must change the session ID's quite often and assigning a new ID whenever a user re-logins the website. Moreover, make sure that the data stored is completely encrypted, especially the user credentials.

5) Directory Traversal (aka path traversal)

Directory traversal attack exploits the web apps while it accesses the file even beyond the root directory to view the restricted files and further executing commands on the web server. Directory traversal attack can even happen through the browser or input portals on the front end of the web app.

How to prevent Directory Traversal

You must validate and sanitize the user input correctly while removing all the suspect data. Moreover, you must not store the sensitive configuration files in the web root. Further, you can use patches, software or vulnerability scanners.

Concluding lines

This brings out the conclusion that how crucial is maintaining PHP security. Isn't it? You need to regularly monitor the changes, updates, and errors which are hitting your websites and apps. Otherwise, you might end up in becoming a target for the hackers. jiWebHosting can assist you in delivering the most efficient web hosting services for your website and keep a regular check on all the activities which are carried out on the website. Waste no more time and try out our most affordable hosting plans. There is no compromise with security! Take a smart action at the earliest!