PHP received a shot in the arm with the release of a new version of the programming language that provides support for an improved password hashing algorithm and includes high-speed cryptography.

The release of PHP 7.2 includes support for the algorithm Argon2 and provides strong benefits in comparison to existing techniques. The update to the PHP programming language also replaces an outmoded cryptographic library with a modern version known as Libsodium.

Developers and IT decision-makes should view the update as welcome news since many business websites still rely on PHP programming techniques.

Understanding the Benefits of Argon2

The password hashing algorithm Argon2 has been added to the newly updated PHP core. Password hashing is one of the most basic security elements developers must consider when designing applications that accept passwords from users.

A strong hashing algorithm reduces the risk of an attacker being able to determine the original password while still allowing a database to compare the resulting hash in the long term. Argon2 is believed to offer a better alternative to bcrypt, Bleeping Computer reported, in terms of both cost efficiency and security.

Argon2, which defeated more than 20 algorithms to win the Password Hashing Competition in 2015, is now recognized as a universal internet standard by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), according to Bleeping Computer. It is also ideal for the data-based protective measures used in cryptocurrencies.

The Plus Points of Libsodium

The PHP development team announced the availability of PHP 7.2 at the end of November. The release includes a range of improvements in addition to the inclusion of Argon2.

Among the most notable of these advancements was the ejection of the mcrypt cryptographic library from the core and its replacement with Libsodium. PHP’s developers have previously suggested that mcrypt, which was last updated almost a decade ago, was inhibiting the growth of the language and should be removed as quickly as possible.

InfoWorld reported that the Libsodium cryptography library is now a core extension in PHP 7.2 and provides high-speed elliptic cryptography.

Protecting Users and Data From PHP Programming Flaws

Late last year, security specialists unearthed three PHP vulnerabilities that could have had serious consequences for organizations and consumers worldwide. Then, earlier this year, reports surfaced about a rootkit that hides inside a PHP module and attacks servers through Apache modules. That was followed by fears that unfinished installations of WordPress could give attackers admin access.

IT managers must be aware of these risks and welcome the updated version of PHP. The Libsodium library should be developers’ go-to source for application-layer cryptography. Its addition to PHP is a crucial step toward implementing more concrete security for the programming language.