In cases where clients have access to server files, what measures can be taken to secure database connections and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data?
To secure database connections and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data when clients have access to server files, one measure that can be taken is to store database credentials in a separate configuration file outside of the web root directory. This way, even if clients have access to server files, they will not be able to view the database credentials. Additionally, using secure connection methods such as SSL can help encrypt the data being transmitted between the server and the database.
<?php
// Include the configuration file with database credentials
require_once('/path/to/config.php');
// Establish a secure connection to the database
$mysqli = new mysqli(DB_HOST, DB_USER, DB_PASS, DB_NAME);
// Check for connection errors
if ($mysqli->connect_error) {
die("Connection failed: " . $mysqli->connect_error);
}