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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Josh Taylor and Robert Booth

What is PHP and how serious is the computer language flaw causing website shutdowns?

A hand holds a smartphone showing a PHP security update, with the PHP website blurred behind
Vulnerabilities discovered in the programming language PHP could allow hackers to gain control over servers. Photograph: ANP/Shutterstock

Website owners faced millions of attempts to exploit a serious security vulnerability in their programming language, it has emerged, triggering a rush by governments and businesses to fix the problem.

The newly discovered vulnerabilities in PHP, a programming language that underpins most websites, allows hackers to carry out cyber-attacks and steal data if not fixed. What were the vulnerabilities and why did they affect so many sites?

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