Secure Website Login: A PHP application

This Website Login project focused on implementing secure user authentication and session management using PHP, demonstrating a practical understanding of cookies and session handling. The objective was to create a functional login system with a unique twist: a secret message conveyed in Morse code, adding an element of intrigue.

Design Rationale and Security Considerations:

The core challenge was to create a login system that adhered to security best practices, particularly avoiding the direct storage of passwords in cookies. This project emphasized:

• Secure Session Management: Implementing a cookie-based login system that tracks user authentication without storing sensitive data.

• Unauthorized Access Prevention: Restricting access to the secret message to authenticated users only.

• Enhanced User Experience: Providing a seamless login and logout experience, with clear feedback and navigation.

• Unique Secret Message: The addition of a morse code secret message added a fun and unique element to the project.

Development Process and Implementation:

The development process involved designing a simple login interface, implementing PHP logic for authentication and session management.

• Authentication Logic: PHP was used to verify user credentials (username: "agent", password: "password123") and set a cookie to track the login state.

• Cookie Management: A single cookie was used to maintain the session state, avoiding the need to store passwords directly. Cookie expiration was set to at least one day.

• Session Control: Logic was implemented to redirect logged-in users away from the login page and provide a logout option, effectively destroying the session cookie.

• Access Control: PHP was used to determine if the user was logged in, and then display either the secret morse code message or an authorization denied message.

This project demonstrates the ability to create secure and functional web applications using PHP, with a focus on session management, cookie handling, and creative problem-solving.