22/10/2026
🚨 PHP security vulnerabilities: What businesses need to know
Yesterday’s discovered critical PHP security vulnerabilities have prompted widespread concern across the web development and cybersecurity industries, with some well-known organisations temporarily taking websites offline as a precaution. This is because these vulnerabilities can allow malicious hackers and cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access to website back-ends, sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
With PHP used by approximately 70% of websites (including sites built in WordPress, Druple, Laravel and more), the potential reach of security issues like these is significant.
At Hydra, like many website developers and hosting providers across the industry, we've been working quickly to assess the risks, implement the necessary security patches and protect the websites we manage for our clients.
So, what do businesses need to do?
1️⃣ Check your PHP version: Speak to your website developer or hosting provider to confirm whether your website is running an affected version and whether the relevant security updates have been applied.
2️⃣ Be aware of older versions: PHP 8.1 and earlier will not receive the necessary official PHP security patch, making it particularly important to identify any websites still relying on older and unsupported versions of PHP.
3️⃣ Stay informed: Further updates and guidance may follow as the situation develops, so it's important to remain aware of any additional recommendations.
While not every website using PHP will be affected, the situation highlights the importance of staying informed, responding promptly to minimise potential risks and keep websites up to date and secure.
For the latest official guidance, visit the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
🔗 https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/critical-security-issue-affecting-php
All of our clients can be assured that we are actively taking all possible action to ensure the security of your systems, and your account manager will be in touch shortly. 📧
