A security vulnerability in the "PHP" programming language, detected by artificial intelligence, caused several websites to go offline on Thursday, raising concerns about the increase in cyberattacks and prompting institutions around the world to take measures to counter any hacking attempts. What is the "PHP" programming system, and how widespread is its use?
One of the main pillars of the web
The "PHP" programming language was invented in the early 1990s and is a software system used to run about 70 percent of websites worldwide.
Cybersecurity company "Wiz Research" states that it is "one of the fundamental pillars of the web," explaining that it used artificial intelligence to discover security vulnerabilities that had remained hidden for over a decade.
An update to address these vulnerabilities was released on Wednesday, and the "PHP" Foundation urged technical teams in companies and institutions worldwide to update it, saying, "If you are using PHP, it is essential to update it immediately."