Cybercrime: Serious security gap threatens websites worldwide – operators should act quickly

Dusseldorf. A serious security vulnerability is shaking the foundations of numerous websites and online services around the world. The widespread programming language PHP, on which a large part of the entire Internet is based, is affected. The PHP developers announced that a solution will be available at 4 p.m. German time. Many authorities and providers are already switching off their services for fear of attacks. The website of the state capital Mainz, for example, was not accessible on Wednesday.

PHP is a programming language that runs in the background of websites. It keeps many websites running. Therefore, a security vulnerability is particularly relevant here. Because it can affect many websites around the world at the same time. If hackers exploit the gap, they could access customer data, disrupt payment processes or misuse the computer for further attacks.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warns of far-reaching consequences. “We consider short-term, large-scale exploitation within a few hours of the release of the security updates to be likely,” said BSI Vice President Thomas Caspers. The authority called on companies to install the security updates on their systems immediately from 4 p.m.