How can PHP developers ensure the security and integrity of log files in a web application, especially when handling sensitive data like measurement values?

To ensure the security and integrity of log files in a web application, especially when handling sensitive data like measurement values, PHP developers should encrypt the log files before writing to them. This can help prevent unauthorized access to the data and maintain its confidentiality. Additionally, developers should implement proper access controls and logging mechanisms to track any suspicious activities related to the log files.

<?php

// Encrypt log file before writing
$logFile = 'path/to/logfile.txt';
$dataToLog = 'Sensitive measurement values';

$encryptionKey = 'yourEncryptionKey';
$encryptedData = openssl_encrypt($dataToLog, 'AES-256-CBC', $encryptionKey, 0, 'yourInitializationVector');

file_put_contents($logFile, $encryptedData . PHP_EOL, FILE_APPEND);

?>