Government websites shut down globally after AI uncovers vulnerabilities in PHP prompting urgent security measures and system updates
Experts warned that hackers might exploit these flaws, leading to potential mass intrusions.
PHP has been a staple of web development since the early 1990s and is integral to platforms such as WordPress and Drupal.
Tiffany Farriss of the Drupal Association noted that any server using PHP versions from the last 20 years could be at risk.
Most internet users are encouraged to update or take their sites offline until the issues are patched.
The Dutch cybersecurity agency and Wikipedia have already taken their systems offline as a precaution.
Prime ministers from the Netherlands and Japan have publicly urged website owners to assess their PHP usage urgently.
Intelligence from companies like Alphabet and its subsidiary Wiz highlighted the role AI played in identifying the vulnerabilities.
Recent AI-assisted hacking campaigns raise concerns about potential server disruptions globally.
WordPress.com has assured users of its hosted services are not affected by the vulnerability, while smaller sites may be at greater risk.
Global response
Multiple organizations in the Netherlands have followed the National Cyber Security Centre’s lead in shutting down public-facing websites.
In Finland, state IT services provider Valtori also took government networks offline for safety.
Preventive measures have extended to France’s Interior Ministry, which placed its websites under maintenance.
