Build a safer login and session layer

Password storage

Store only hashes produced by a maintained password hashing API such as PHP's password_hash. Never store plaintext credentials or create your own reversible password scheme.

$hash = password_hash($password, PASSWORD_DEFAULT);
if (!password_verify($submitted, $hash)) { /* reject */ }

Session management

Enable HTTPS, HTTP-only cookies and an appropriate SameSite policy. Regenerate the session identifier after sign-in or privilege elevation. Provide an explicit logout path.

CSRF and access controls

Use anti-CSRF tokens for state-changing requests. Enforce authorization independently of the UI on every protected route. Set login attempt limits and log failed sign-in events without logging submitted passwords.

Account recovery

Choose short-lived, single-use recovery tokens stored hashed at rest. Send account email only through a trusted server-side integration.

For high-risk products, consider maintained managed identity or established security libraries rather than building your own protocol stack.