How can PHP developers securely handle user authentication and password storage to prevent unauthorized access?

To securely handle user authentication and password storage in PHP, developers should use bcrypt hashing for password storage and implement secure authentication mechanisms such as session management and CSRF protection. Additionally, developers should avoid storing passwords in plaintext or using outdated hashing algorithms like MD5 or SHA-1. 

// Hash and store user password securely using bcrypt
$password = 'user_password';
$hashed_password = password_hash($password, PASSWORD_BCRYPT);

// Verify user password during authentication process
if (password_verify($password, $hashed_password)) {
    // Password is correct
} else {
    // Password is incorrect
}

Keywords

password hashing password salting bcrypt password_verify secure session management

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