Urgent security fix issued for code vital to estimated 70% of all websites

WebsitesThe code vulnerability could allow attackers to take over servers, experts say. Watch ABC News live news stream and get 24/7 latest, breaking news coverage, and live video. ByMatthew Glasser Wednesday, October 21, 2026 5:02PMPHP may not be a household name, but the programming language, released over 30 years ago, powers a large share of websites and web applications. Nearly 70% of the internet is estimated to use PHP, including WordPress, which is used for more than 40% of websites. Now the PHP development team is urging users to update immediately after fixing two critical vulnerabilities, rated 9.2 out of 10 in terms of danger, that if exploited could allow attackers to take over internet servers. On Wednesday, the PHP development team released updates that "fix two critical vulnerabilities that can allow unauthenticated remote code execution. All PHP users are strongly encouraged to update immediately," according to the official PHP website. The U. K. government's National Cyber Security Centre is encouraging organizations "to prepare for immediate updating of systems using PHP.

WebsitesThe code vulnerability could allow attackers to take over servers, experts say. Watch ABC News live news stream and get 24/7 latest, breaking news coverage, and live video. ByMatthew Glasser Wednesday, October 21, 2026 5:03PMPHP may not be a household name, but the programming language, released over 30 years ago, powers a large share of websites and web applications. Nearly 70% of the internet is estimated to use PHP, including WordPress, which is used for more than 40% of websites. Now the PHP development team is urging users to update immediately after fixing two critical vulnerabilities, rated 9.2 out of 10 in terms of danger, that if exploited could allow attackers to take over internet servers. On Wednesday, the PHP development team released updates that "fix two critical vulnerabilities that can allow unauthenticated remote code execution. All PHP users are strongly encouraged to update immediately," according to the official PHP website. The U. K. government's National Cyber Security Centre is encouraging organizations "to prepare for immediate updating of systems using PHP.

WebsitesThe code vulnerability could allow attackers to take over servers, experts say. ByMatthew Glasser Wednesday, October 21, 2026 5:03PMWatch ABC News live news stream and get 24/7 latest, breaking news coverage, and live video. PHP may not be a household name, but the programming language, released over 30 years ago, powers a large share of websites and web applications. Nearly 70% of the internet is estimated to use PHP, including WordPress, which is used for more than 40% of websites. Now the PHP development team is urging users to update immediately after fixing two critical vulnerabilities, rated 9.2 out of 10 in terms of danger, that if exploited could allow attackers to take over internet servers. On Wednesday, the PHP development team released updates that "fix two critical vulnerabilities that can allow unauthenticated remote code execution. All PHP users are strongly encouraged to update immediately," according to the official PHP website. The U. K. government's National Cyber Security Centre is encouraging organizations "to prepare for immediate updating of systems using PHP.

A student who was reportedly in possession of a handgun was taken into custody at Bell Gardens High School on Wednesday morning, according to police.

Skip to Content Subscribe FAQ My Account Manage My Subscriptions News Local News Alberta Politics Health Local Crime True Crime National World Weather Archives Sports Edmonton Oilers Cult of Hockey NHL PWHL Junior Hockey NHL Edmonton Oil Kings Edmonton Elks CFL NFL Local Sports Soccer Golf Baseball Basketball Curling Opinion Columnists Letters Send a Letter to the Editor Malcolm Mayes editorial cartoons Business Local Business Featured Businesses Small Business Real Estate Commercial Real Estate Mortgages Energy Technology Gaming Internet Science Space FP Markets Alberta's Top Employers Arts Local Arts Theatre Music Festivals Books Movies Television TV Listings Celebrity Life Fashion & Beauty Homes First-Time Homebuyers Gardening Diet & Fitness Food Local food reviews Recipes Travel Travel Alberta Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Guide Savings Advice Contests National Contests Readers' Choice Special Sections EDMONTON FALL HOME SHOW Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Edmonton Journal Store Newsletters Puzzmo Vitality Alberta Work Well Diversions Puzzles New York Times Crossword Comics Horoscopes ePaper Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide

Some Government of Canada websites have been taken offline due to a vulnerability identified in the software, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon says. In a social media post, Solomon said this response is temporary and is only a precaution to protect government systems and Canadians’ information.