# PHP Encryption

PHP Encryption is a Database Security product. It runs on-premises. Pricing is free.

A PHP library that provides secure data encryption capabilities using keys or passwords, designed to minimize implementation errors.

Checked October 2026.

## What is PHP Encryption?

PHP Encryption is a cryptographic library designed for encrypting data using keys or passwords in PHP applications. The library requires PHP 5.6 or newer and OpenSSL 1.0.1 or newer to function properly.

Developed by Taylor Hornby and Scott Arciszewski, the library focuses on providing secure encryption capabilities while being designed to minimize the risk of implementation errors. The current stable version is v2.4.0, which is expected to receive ongoing security updates and bug fixes until at least January 1st, 2024.

The library serves as a foundation for developers who need to implement data encryption in their PHP applications, offering a structured approach to cryptographic operations. It provides encryption functionality that can be integrated into various PHP-based systems where data protection is required.

Tags: Encryption, PHP, Open Source, PHP Security, Security Tools

## Where it fits in your security program (NIST CSF 2.0)

- [Protect](https://cybersectools.com/guides/building-protect-program-small-team): helps you prevent attacks and keep data safe.

## Quick facts

- Category: [Data Protection](https://cybersectools.com/categories/data-protection) · [Database Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/database-security)
- Deployment: On-Premises
- Company size fit: Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 3,873
- Website: github.com

## Where it ranks

PHP Encryption is not a pick on the current [Best Database Security Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-database-security-solutions).

## PHP Encryption FAQ

### What is PHP Encryption?

PHP Encryption is a product in the Database Security category. It covers Encryption, PHP and Open Source.

### What is the pricing for PHP Encryption?

PHP Encryption is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/defuse/php-encryption/.

### What are alternatives to PHP Encryption?

Alternatives to PHP Encryption listed on CybersecTools:

1. [Cossack Labs Hermes](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cossack-labs-hermes) - Crypto framework for access control & encrypted data security in remote storage. (Free)
2. [SecuPi Proactive Data Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/secupi-proactive-data-security-platform) - Data security platform for real-time protection of sensitive data access (Commercial)
3. [IBM Guardium](https://cybersectools.com/tools/ibm-guardium) - Enterprise data security platform for discovery, protection, and compliance (Commercial)
4. [Thales CipherTrust Database Protection](https://cybersectools.com/tools/thales-ciphertrust-database-protection) - Column-level database encryption without application code modification (Commercial)
5. [Sotero Data Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/sotero-sotero-data-security-platform) - Data security platform providing in-use encryption for databases and apps (Commercial)

Compare all PHP Encryption alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/php-encryption](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/php-encryption)

### What deployment and organization size does PHP Encryption fit?

PHP Encryption is available as on-premises software. It is listed for startups, small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises. It is free.

## Compare PHP Encryption with similar solutions

- [PHP Encryption vs Cossack Labs Hermes](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cossack-labs-hermes-vs-php-encryption)
- [PHP Encryption vs SecuPi Proactive Data Security Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/php-encryption-vs-secupi-proactive-data-security-platform)
- [PHP Encryption vs IBM Guardium](https://cybersectools.com/compare/ibm-guardium-vs-php-encryption)

All alternatives to PHP Encryption: [/alternatives/php-encryption](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/php-encryption)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/php-encryption

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