How can developers ensure that their PHP code is secure and protected against malicious attacks?

Developers can ensure that their PHP code is secure and protected against malicious attacks by implementing proper input validation, using secure coding practices, and regularly updating their software to patch any vulnerabilities. Additionally, developers can use tools like PHP_CodeSniffer and PHP Security Advisories to help identify and address potential security issues in their code.

// Example of input validation in PHP to prevent SQL injection
$user_input = $_POST['user_input'];
$clean_input = mysqli_real_escape_string($connection, $user_input);
$query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = '$clean_input'";
$result = mysqli_query($connection, $query);