How can PHP developers ensure that sensitive user information, such as passwords, is not exposed or vulnerable to unauthorized access during data transmission within a community website environment?

To ensure that sensitive user information, such as passwords, is not exposed or vulnerable to unauthorized access during data transmission within a community website environment, PHP developers should use encryption techniques like HTTPS to secure data transmission. Additionally, storing passwords securely using hashing algorithms like bcrypt is essential to protect user data.

// Example of securely hashing and storing a password using bcrypt
$password = "user_password";
$hashed_password = password_hash($password, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);

// Example of verifying a password
$entered_password = "user_entered_password";
if (password_verify($entered_password, $hashed_password)) {
    // Password is correct
} else {
    // Password is incorrect
}