How can PHP developers ensure session security and prevent session hijacking when handling user authentication?
Session security and prevention of session hijacking can be ensured by using secure cookies, implementing HTTPS, and regularly regenerating session IDs. Additionally, developers should validate user input, sanitize data, and use strong encryption algorithms when storing sensitive information in sessions.
// Start a secure session
session_start([
'cookie_lifetime' => 86400, // 1 day
'cookie_secure' => true, // Only send cookies over HTTPS
'cookie_httponly' => true, // Prevent JavaScript access to cookies
]);
// Regenerate session ID periodically
if (rand(1, 100) === 1) {
session_regenerate_id(true);
}