Have you ever wondered why PHP websites experience frequent data breaches?

PHP powers more than 79% of the web (as of 2022). The major players such as Facebook, Wikipedia, MailChimp, and WordPress use PHP. While gaining access to top-tier websites isn’t easy, it does happen. Data from 533 million Facebook accounts were published on a hacking forum in 2019!

Now imagine how easy it may be for seasoned hackers to access the website of SMEs and extract data! Not updating your PHP website security makes it easy for hackers to access your customer’s credit card details. It can compromise a website’s reputation and finances. In 2022, the average cost of a data breach is around $4.35 million.

One of the most common mistakes is the lack of secure coding practices during PHP website development and maintenance. You can find out more about the top 10 risks PHP websites face that may compromise their security.

You need to hire PHP developers for developing a secure website. Here are 10 ways how hiring professional PHP developers can help save your site from hackers –

1. Professional PHP Developers Use the Latest Version of PHP

New versions of PHP are available every couple of months. The latest version is 8.1. The newer PHP versions are faster, lighter, and more secure.

Every PHP version receives full support for 2-years including bug fixing and security patches. After 2 years, a majority of these versions (even the major ones) become obsolete in terms of security fixes.

Working with the latest version will improve your website’s performance, UX, and security. Always hire a PHP developer who is comfortable working on the latest versions of PHP. Check their portfolio to ensure that they have used the latest version before.

2. PHP Veterans Know How to Stop SQL Injection Attacks

Injection attacks are simple, yet brutal. A hacker launches the attack by inserting a rogue SQL command into the website database. These pesky commands can destroy or delete precious data. It can take your team weeks or even months to rebuild the database.

Hire a PHP developer with experience in avoiding or bypassing SQL attacks. Simple alterations to the core code can prevent SQL injection attacks on your website.

3. They Use the Latest Third-Party Components

PHP developers always use the latest third-party components from the most trusted sources. When using third-party plug-ins, libraries, and frameworks, check reviews and ratings.

Not using the latest third-party components can result in compatibility issues. Outdated software attracts more attacks since they tend to have more vulnerabilities. Use third-party APIs from trusted sources only.

You can rely on GitHub and Kinsta for the latest reliable PHP libraries and frameworks for 2022.

4. They Know How to Store and Manage Passwords

Always hire PHP developers with enough experience in the field. The veterans know not to use reverse encryption on passwords. The encryption and decryption process leave clear trails. You should never use reversible encryption on passwords.

PHP developers can have passwords using Argonautica or Bcrypt. These are cryptographically-secure hashing algorithms that are easy to use. They follow Rust API guidelines.

These hashing algorithms produce more secure outputs. Moreover, these hashing algorithms are faster than available encryption algorithms.

5. PHP Developers Use Allowlists (Whitelists)

Even today, several websites only use blocklists or blacklists. These are a list of items, such as email addresses, IP addresses, and domain names that aren’t allowed to access a particular site.

On the other hand, using a whitelist or allowlist is much easier. The website owner or PHP developer can allow only a select set of items to visit the website. Whitelisting allows a list of IP addresses, email addresses, domain names, and applications, and denies others.

Most IT admins use allowlists to manage site permissions and safeguard their servers from unwanted visitors.

6. They Can Protect Sensitive Files

Some files on your server should remain inaccessible to regular visitors. Only trusted users including the PHP developer should have access to these files.

These files include configuration files, source code files, and database credentials. You do not want attackers to have access to your website’s source code files or client details. Any data that is crucial for your business and website function is sensitive.

Always speak to your hired PHP developers to restrict access to these files. It will reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to sensitive information.

7. They Can Use SSL/TLS Correctly

SSL certificates are a must-have for every website right now. Without an SSL certificate, a website cannot become SEO friendly or user-friendly. An SSL/TLS certificate can help protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. It prevents hackers from “eavesdropping” on sensitive conversations between the customers and your site server.

The SSL/TLS is a secure protocol. It encrypts all traffic between the user’s browser and website server. Your website should always use SSL/TLS for protecting passwords, credit card details, and bank details.

8. Pro PHP Developers Can Perform Regular security audits

Regular security audits are mandatory for identifying vulnerabilities. Hire PHP developers and experts to run regular security checks on your server and site for risks.

Risk assessment is necessary every time a PHP upgrade rolls out. You will need a PHP expert to audit your code periodically. Only an expert can ensure that your PHP script is up-to-date and fully compatible with the third-party libraries, frameworks, and plug-ins your site is currently using.

9. Developers can Prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is one of the biggest external attack threats. The hijacker injects malicious codes or scripts directly into your site. A single such attack can take a hefty toll on your finances and reputation.

The only way to prevent these attacks is to work with an experienced PHP developer who can help you set up a web application firewall (WAF). Since there are various types of WAFs, it is important to find out which one is best suited for your website and needs. Some advanced firewalls can protect you against DDoS attacks as well.

Hire a PHP developer to assess the firewall and security needs of your PHP website right now. Invest in professional services to keep your client information secure and your customers happy.

10. Professional PHP Developers Will Help You Out With IPS/IDS

A secure website requires more than the conventional firewall and a professional PHP developer knows all about it.

A firewall is a network security device. It can block and filter incoming and outgoing traffic.

But, an IPS/IDS can detect potential threats and alert the admins of the same. An IDS is an intrusion detection system that analyzes incoming traffic in real-time. It can check policy breaches and malicious activities.

An IPS is a device that works in line with the server to block attacks. Having an IPS/IDS in place can prevent data breaches. It will make your website more trustworthy and secure.

Conclusion

Hiring a trained PHP developer with an impressive portfolio may seem like a stretch. It’s actually a long-term investment for any business. Your website needs to be secure, SEO-friendly, and scalable.

You will need the help of a true professional with hands-on experience to imbue these qualities into a PHP-powered website.