What are the best practices for securing user data in PHP applications beyond code encryption?

Securing user data in PHP applications involves more than just code encryption. It is essential to follow best practices such as using parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, validating and sanitizing user input, using secure hashing algorithms for passwords, implementing proper session management, and utilizing HTTPS for secure data transmission.

// Example of using parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection
$stmt = $pdo->prepare('SELECT * FROM users WHERE username = :username');
$stmt->bindParam(':username', $username);
$stmt->execute();