What are some best practices for securing a login system in PHP to prevent unauthorized access?

To secure a login system in PHP and prevent unauthorized access, it is essential to use secure password hashing techniques, implement measures to prevent brute force attacks, and utilize session management to validate user authentication.

// Secure password hashing using password_hash() function
$password = $_POST['password'];
$hashed_password = password_hash($password, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);

// Implementing measures to prevent brute force attacks
// For example, limit the number of login attempts within a certain time frame

// Session management to validate user authentication
session_start();
if (isset($_SESSION['user_id'])) {
    // User is authenticated
} else {
    // Redirect to login page
}