Unprecedented call to support PHP, government fears economic and social impact

In response to the discovery of a serious vulnerability in the programming language PHP, which is widely used for websites, the government made an unusual effort to disseminate information, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's repeated warnings on social media. The leakage of personal information due to cyberattacks is occurring frequently, and there are concerns that it could cause a blow to the economy and society if the government is left behind.

On the night of the 21st, the Prime Minister posted a ``very urgent request'' to the public on X (formerly Twitter), requesting that anyone using PHP on their website apply a patch as soon as possible. If it is difficult to apply, ``temporarily suspending the site is one effective measure,'' he said.

Furthermore, at noon on the 22nd, he revealed that he had blocked access to his website, and reiterated that ``temporary suspension is also important.'' They were asked to follow the account of the National Cyber ​​Control Office (NCO). NCO pointed out in X, ``If appropriate measures are not taken, there is a possibility that the site may be compromised.''

On the 22nd, the Prime Minister met with Cabinet Cyber ​​Secretary Yoichi Iida, the top NCO, for about 35 minutes at the Prime Minister's Office, and listened to a report on the PHP issue. Thereafter, the National Security Council (NSC) was held to discuss responses with relevant ministers.