Laravel: Top Tips to Enhance Security

Laravel has long figured as one of the leading choices for developers worldwide, thanks to its ability to enable the seamless development of high-quality web apps. Now, while this server-side PHP framework has long proven to be a quality resource. The fact remains that the threat posed by security risks continues to be a real problem for digital entities such as websites. If you are even vaguely involved with the digital world, you would know that the security of websites remains a critical concern for anyone who runs them. Why? Because such problems can lead them to lose customers’ sensitive data and the market’s trust. Suffice it to say that, hence, security remains one of the biggest concerns for anyone who runs a website for their business.

Considering that Laravel is among the top choice tools for building web apps in modern times, it makes sense to think about what it can already do in this regard. The simple answer is that it brings plenty to the table to ensure high-levels of website security. However, of course, there’s always scope to do better. How does one go about doing that when you have a Laravel based web app? Lots actually; you can start with opting for a highly trusted and secure server that will host your website. Oh, and it would also help use the latest iterations of technologies such as Laravel, PHP, and any other one may use during the development process. Let’s take a detailed look at some different ways to ensure high levels of security when you are working with a Laravel-based web app.

1. Filter data: To ensure ace levels of security of your Laravel-based app, experts recommend that one must necessarily not only filter all data but also validate it. To do that, Laravel offers an excellent resource — Eloquent ORM, which makes use of the PDO’s parameter binding to protect against SQL injections.
2. Use hashing to store passwords: Of course, it is imperative to ensure top-class password security. Laravel already offers plenty of features to help with that. However, other measures can still be taken, such as Bcrypt for hashing functions to ensure proper encryption of passwords. It would also be good to avoid using MD5, SHA1 and more, as the hashing mechanisms for storing passwords.
3. Safeguard against XSS attacks: XSS or cross-site scripting attacks are defined as the kind of attack when hackers misuse the app’s JavaScript to attack visitors’ web browsers, where malicious script are executed upon visiting a compromised site. To protect against such attacks, be sure to use Laravel’s native features properly to protect the database automatically.
4. Use HTTPS: When you use HTTP, all exchanges are executed in the form of texts, including the ones involving sensitive data and user information. To protect against this risk, it would be an excellent idea to use HTTPS instead. While you are at it, don’t forget about the SSL certificates either.

There is much one can do to achieve substantially better levels of security for their Laravel-based web apps, including using the tips offered above. Another way to go about it would be to engage the services of a trusted Laravel web application development company, whose expertise will help you deliver top-notch security for your web app’s users.