Websites across world hit by millions of attempts to exploit PHP code flaw
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Problem in language that underpins 70% of sites has led governments and companies to pull sites offline to patch fault Tell us: have you been affected by the PHP code flaw? What is PHP, and how bad is the computer language flaw causing website shutdowns globally ? Websites around the world have been
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A dimly lit server room filled with racks of humming servers, where a tech worker is meticulously taping 'CLOSED FOR BUSINESS' signs on each machine.
Caption: When the world wide web decides to take a lunch break
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Based on the original story on theguardian.com.
Editor's note
As the PHP code flaw highlights, the interconnected web's security is only as strong as its weakest link, underscoring the need for comprehensive updates and support for the technologies that underpin our digital infrastructure. It's crucial to ensure that both large corporations and smaller websites have the resources and guidance to address vulnerabilities, lest we leave anyone behind in the digital safety net.
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Panel 1
### What the subject is: PHP is a programming language used to build dynamic websites and web applications. The irony here is that a language so widely used is also the source of a major security flaw that's causing widespread website outages. ### The One Funniest Observation: A small business owner who uses PHP to run their website is left scrambling to fix a problem they didn't even know existed, while big corporations and governments are taking preemptive action.
Panel 2
*Setting: A cluttered home office with a small desk, laptop, and a phone. The phone is ringing.* Small Business Owner (on phone) Laptop Screen (close-up)
Small Business Owner: Hello? Is this about my website again?
Laptop Screen: A broken website notice: “This site is temporarily down due to maintenance.
Panel 3
*Setting: The same home office, but now the owner is frantically searching through web forums and documentation on their laptop, while the phone rings again.* Phone (off-screen) Small Business Owner (frustrated)
Phone: Hello? Hello?
Small Business Owner: I can’t believe this PHP thing is causing so much trouble. How am I supposed to fix it?
Panel 4
*Setting: The home office, now with a big banner on the laptop screen that reads, The owner is sitting back with a sigh of relief, looking at the phone.* Phone (off-screen) Small Business Owner (to camera, sheepish)
Setting: Security Patch Applied.
Phone: Hello? Anyone there?
Small Business Owner: Well, at least I didn’t get hacked... this time.
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