Paragon Initiative Enterprises Blog

The latest information from the team that develops cryptographically secure PHP software.

Preventing Timing Attacks on String Comparison with a Double HMAC Strategy

Preventing side-channel attacks (i.e. timing attacks on MAC validation) and dangerous compiler optimizations with a blinded comparison.


How to Securely Allow Users to Upload Files

The theory and practice of securing file upload form handlers. Our examples are in PHP, but many of the filesystem security concepts here are language agnostic.


Coming to WordPress 4.4: CSPRNG

In version 4.4 and on, WordPress's random number generator function (wp_rand) will now be cryptographically secure.


Building Secure Web Applications in PHP

Don't just fix security vulnerabilities, prevent the habits that cause them in the first place.


The Comprehensive Guide to URL Parameter Encryption in PHP

If you ever wondered the best way to encrypt a username or row ID for an obfuscated URL in PHP, this is the article for you.


How to Safely Implement Cryptography Features in Any Application

No matter what language you're developing in, there's really only one cryptography library that shines above the rest.


A Gentle Introduction to Application Security

We aren't satisfied with the industry's current attempts to teach the basic concepts of application security to software developers; instead, we propose a gentler model.


You Wouldn't Base64 a Password - Cryptography Decoded

A human-readable overview of commonly misused cryptography terms and fundamental concepts.


Common Uses for Cryptographically Secure Random Numbers

Some useful things that can be built with a CSPRNG.


How to Securely Generate Random Strings and Integers in PHP

A lesson on cryptographically secure pseudorandom number generators in PHP, and how to generate random integers and strings from a high quality entropy source like /dev/urandom to generate secure random passwords in PHP.


Need Technology Consultants?

Will tomorrow bring costly and embarrassing data breaches? Or will it bring growth, success, and peace of mind?

Our team of technology consultants have extensive knowledge and experience with application security and web/application development.

We specialize in cryptography and secure PHP development.

Let's Work Together Towards Success

Our Security Newsletters

Want the latest from Paragon Initiative Enterprises delivered straight to your inbox? We have two newsletters to choose from.

The first mails quarterly and often showcases our behind-the-scenes projects.

The other is unscheduled and gives you a direct feed into the findings of our open source security research initiatives.

Quarterly Newsletter   Security Announcements