Security issues

Millions of hacking attempts as companies, governments rush to patch critical PHP flaws

Companies and governments in Europe and elsewhere took websites offline as a precaution on Oct 21, after vulnerabilities were discovered in the widely used PHP programming language.

Websites of Japanese ministries partially suspended due to PHP vulnerabilities, patching underway

The vulnerabilities prompted governments and companies around the world to temporarily shut down websites amid fears the flaws could be exploited for cyberattacks.

While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Oct 22, 2026

US retail diesel prices topped US$6 a gallon in September for the first time ever and have remained above that level since.

Explainer: What is PHP and why did it take government websites offline?

PHP is one of the most widely used programming languages on the web.

PHP developers issue updates fixing vulnerabilities that saw websites go offline

Critical vulnerabilities in the PHP programming language saw government websites in Europe and elsewhere go offline on Oct 21. The PHP Foundation said the first signs of a flaw had been identified in 2024.

Russian satellite dangerously nears European spacecraft supporting Ukraine’s military

Space experts say close approaches by a satellite can be used to inspect, monitor or interfere with other satellites.

Two men re-arrested for suspected spying for Iran in airbase scare: UK police

A 24-year-old British citizen and a 25-year-old UK-Iranian dual national, both from London, have been arrested “on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service” over September’s incident at Fairford airbase in south-west England.

NATO to send ‘additional assets’ to Black Sea after drone attacks off Bulgaria, Romania

A video grab showing the moment when a Romanian F-16 fighter jet engaged an attack drone flying over the Black Sea on Oct 17, near Sulina, Romania.

EU unveils strategy to boost Arctic security in face of US, Russia threats

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen delivering a statement on “Europe’s Northern Neighbourhood: A New Strategy for the Arctic” at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Oct 20.

While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Oct 20, 2026

US President Donald Trump (right) faced criticism from its allies over a diesel deal with Russia that critics cast as an economic bailout for Moscow.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.