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How to secure database passwords in PHP?
17 answers
I want some input on what you guys think is the most secure way to connect to a MySQL database using PHP. Currently the way I'm doing it is a utility PHP file that I include in the top of all my other PHP files. The utility PHP file is this:
<?php
if(!defined('IN_PHP')){
die("hackerssss");
}
$mysql_host = "localhost";
$mysql_user = "root";
$mysql_pass = "root";
$mysql_db = cokertrading;
?>
Any suggestions?
Suggestion: You should probably never be running as root; create another account and give it the 'least' privileges required for your site.
I can believe noone has mentioned MYSQLI and prepared statements yet, you may lock your password and database connection away, but thats ultimately futile if I can simply type ';DROP TABLE users;--
in the login form.
Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SQL_injection for an idea about what I'm talking about.
Because PHP scripts are server side - i.e. they are parsed on the server and only the output is sent to the browser - the way you are doing this is perfectly secure.
The only way that people would be able to get your username and password would be to actually hack into your server and view the source code - in which case there's no way (in PHP) to protect against this.