PHP 8 Web Application Security from Pluralsight

PHP is one of the most widely-used web programming languages in the world. In this course, you'll learn to write more secure PHP code.

Web applications are under attack every day. PHP, being one of the most widely-used programming languages on the web, is one of the main targets. Some oddities, especially those of older versions, facilitate some of the attacks. This course, PHP Web Application Security, helps developers to understand security risks, how vulnerabilities can be exploited, and how to avoid those attacks. First you'll learn about how to defend against cross-site scripting, including new approaches such as content security policy. Next, you'll learn about how cross-site request forgery works, why it works so well, and how you can implement protection using PHP. Finally, the course will wrap up by teaching you how to protect against SQL injection attacks, covering not only MySQL, but also other relevant databases PHP supports. By the end of this course, you'll have the knowledge to anticipate and defend against the major threats against web applications today.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

PHP Web Application Security

Input Validation

Cross-site Scripting (XSS)

SQL Injection

State Management

Cross-site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Storing Passwords

Error Handling

Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Offers a structured overview of common security risks in PHP web apps

Taught by Christian Wenz, a known expert in secure PHP development

Provides practical guidance on mitigating XSS, CSRF, and SQL injection attacks

Covers both theoretical concepts and hands-on exercises to reinforce learning

Designed for developers with some PHP experience who want to enhance their security skills

Course overview provides a clear roadmap of the topics covered

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PHP 8 Web Application Security with these activities:

Review Best Practices in PHP Web Application Security

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Prepare yourself for the course by revisiting industry best practices.

Browse courses on Cross-Site Scripting

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Review documentation on PHP security best practices
Consider taking a preparatory course on PHP security
Join a PHP security community or forum

Read 'The Web Application Hacker's Handbook'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of web application security.

View Ethical Hacking and Web Hacking Handbook and... on Amazon

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Read through the book's chapters on PHP security
Take notes on key concepts and techniques
Apply the book's learnings to your own PHP projects

Join a PHP Security Study Group

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Enhance your learning through collaboration and peer support.

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Find or start a PHP Security Study Group
Meet regularly with the group to discuss course materials, share knowledge, and solve problems
Work together on projects and assignments
Provide feedback and support to other members of the group

Four other activities

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Attend a PHP Security Workshop

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Learn from experts and gain hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.

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Research and find a PHP security workshop that aligns with your interests
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions
Participate actively in discussions and hands-on exercises
Network with other participants and instructors

Volunteer at a PHP Security Conference

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Stay up-to-date and network with experts in the field.

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Find a PHP security conference in your area
Offer your services as a volunteer
Attend sessions and workshops on PHP security
Network with other attendees and speakers

Create a PHP Security Tutorial

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Deepen your understanding by creating a tutorial.

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Choose a specific PHP security topic to focus on
Write a step-by-step tutorial explaining the topic
Create examples and code snippets to illustrate concepts
Get feedback on your tutorial from peers or experts

Create a PHP Security Case Study

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Develop a deeper understanding by analyzing a real-world case study.

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Find a case study of a PHP security breach or vulnerability
Analyze the case study to identify the root causes and contributing factors
Develop recommendations for how to prevent similar incidents in the future
Share your case study and recommendations with the PHP community

Career center

Learners who complete PHP 8 Web Application Security will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for building and maintaining websites. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies, including PHP, to create and modify web pages. PHP Web Application Security provides a strong foundation for working with PHP by emphasizing security. This course will also teach you how to anticipate and defend against the major threats against web applications today.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies, including PHP, to create and modify software programs. They also test and debug software to ensure that it works correctly.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to protect against unauthorized access and attacks.

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Security Analyst

Security Analysts monitor and analyze security data to identify and mitigate threats. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to protect against unauthorized access and attacks.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work with a variety of database technologies, including MySQL, to ensure that data is stored and retrieved efficiently. PHP Web Application Security will help Database Administrators understand how to protect databases from SQL injection attacks.

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Security Engineer

Security Engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to protect against unauthorized access and attacks.

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Web Application Security Engineer

Web Application Security Engineers specialize in protecting web applications from attacks. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

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Cloud Security Architect

Cloud Security Architects design and implement security measures to protect cloud-based applications and data. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to protect against unauthorized access and attacks.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design computer systems. They work with a variety of technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to create and implement systems that meet the needs of an organization.

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Software Quality Assurance Engineer

Software Quality Assurance Engineers test and evaluate software applications to ensure that they meet quality standards. They work with a variety of testing tools and techniques, including PHP Web Application Security, to identify and mitigate defects.

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Cybersecurity Consultant

Cybersecurity Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to help organizations protect against unauthorized access and attacks.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors evaluate an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are secure and compliant with regulations. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to identify and mitigate risks.

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Information Systems Manager

Information Systems Managers plan and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. They work with a variety of technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to ensure that the organization's IT systems are secure and efficient.

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Network Architect

Network Architects design and implement computer networks. They work with a variety of technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to create and maintain networks that meet the needs of an organization. A Master's or Ph.D. is typically required for this role.

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Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers are responsible for overseeing an organization's cybersecurity program. They work with a variety of security technologies and tools, including PHP Web Application Security, to protect the organization against unauthorized access and attacks. A Master's or Ph.D. is typically required for this role.

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