title: Storing Database Security Credentials in PHP Securely
body: <p>Is storing database credentials one relative-level up in a directory structure (<code>../dbconn_inc.php</code>) secure?</p>
  
  <p>We have a basic shared hosting account through GoDaddy that runs cPanel, with the main page being stored in <code>/public_html</code>. We are hoping to find a simple solution to securely store database credentials in a PHP include file. We have not changed any folder permissions (yet - we are willing to do so). Our primary methods of directory manipulation are cPanel's directory manager and FileZilla. At the moment, we are referencing an include file stored in the root directory (<code>/</code>), but are unsure if this is safe.</p>
  
  <p>Thank you in advance!</p>