Critical PHP Security Update: How We Protect Our Clients’ Websites

A critical security issue affecting PHP, the technology that powers many websites, has put website security firmly in the spotlight.

Following the latest PHP security announcement, we have been reviewing the websites we manage and taking the necessary steps to address the issue.

At John Corner Web Development, we believe website maintenance is about more than keeping a website online. It also means responding promptly to security updates, keeping software up to date and helping our clients reduce the risk of avoidable problems.

What Is the PHP Security Issue?

PHP is a programming language used by millions of websites, including WordPress websites. It runs behind the scenes, helping websites display content, process information and interact with databases.

Recent critical PHP security updates highlight the importance of identifying vulnerable systems and applying the appropriate security patches as soon as possible.

For website owners, this is a reminder of why keeping the underlying technology up to date is an essential part of website security.

What Have We Done to Protect Our Clients' Websites?

When a significant security issue is announced, we assess the potential impact on the websites we manage and take appropriate action.

Our response has included reviewing the websites under our care and addressing the necessary updates and security measures for affected systems.

This involves considering the software running on each website, the underlying PHP environment and any action required from the hosting provider.

PHP updates are not always applied through the WordPress dashboard. Depending on the hosting setup, the server's PHP version may need to be updated separately by the hosting provider.

Our priority is to ensure that the websites we manage receive the attention they need and that any required action is dealt with as promptly as possible.

Why Regular Website Maintenance Matters

Security vulnerabilities are discovered regularly. Keeping a website secure therefore requires ongoing attention rather than a one-off fix.

Our approach to website maintenance focuses on the practical steps that help keep websites running reliably, including:

• Software updates: Keeping WordPress, themes and plugins up to date, with appropriate compatibility checks.
• Security monitoring: Paying attention to relevant security announcements and potential vulnerabilities.
• PHP compatibility: Checking that the server environment is supported and that important security updates are addressed.
• Website functionality: Checking that essential features continue to work as expected following updates.
• Ongoing support: Helping clients address technical issues before they become bigger problems wherever possible.

No website can be guaranteed completely secure, but proactive maintenance can help reduce risk and improve resilience.

Does This Affect Your Website?

If your website is managed by John Corner, we will take the relevant steps based on its software and hosting environment.

If you manage your own WordPress website, check which PHP version your hosting account uses and speak to your hosting provider if you are unsure whether the necessary security updates have been applied.

You can check the PHP version reported by WordPress under Tools → Site Health → Info → Server.

If your website runs on an affected or unsupported PHP version, seek advice on applying the appropriate update safely.

Keeping Your Website Secure

Your website is an important part of your business. Keeping it maintained, monitored and updated helps protect your online presence and reduces the likelihood of avoidable disruption.

At John Corner Web Development, we take a proactive approach to website maintenance, helping businesses keep their websites up to date and addressing technical issues as they arise.

If you have questions about your website's security, WordPress updates or ongoing maintenance, get in touch with John Corner to discuss how we can help.

Need Help Maintaining Your Website?

We can help you keep your website updated, supported and running smoothly. Get in touch to discuss website maintenance and web development services for your business.