21 Oct, 2026 @ 19:15
1 min read

Spain on alert as websites go dark across Europe after AI uncovers critical flaw in software powering 70% of the internet

Websites across Europe went dark on Wednesday after AI uncovered a critical software flaw.
Websites across Europe went dark on Wednesday after AI uncovered a critical software flaw. Credit: Unsplash

SPAIN is among the countries on alert after AI uncovered two critical flaws in software believed to power around 70 per cent of the internet.

Websites across Europe have been taken offline as a precaution after the vulnerabilities were discovered in PHP – a programming language used to run millions of websites and online services.

The flaws were uncovered by researchers using advanced AI models and were rated 9.2 out of 10 for severity, with experts warning they could allow hackers to run malicious code on vulnerable servers without needing to log in.

That could potentially expose sensitive data, allow websites to be defaced or lead to entire systems being compromised.

Government websites in France, Finland and the Netherlands have been taken down temporarily.

READ MORE: Revolut users in Spain locked out of account for 12 hours after ‘power event’ at Google data centre in London hits banks

Parts of Wikipedia have also become inaccessible as its operator worked to secure its systems.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre and the European Union’s cyber-security response team have urged organisations to identify vulnerable systems and apply the fixes without delay.

Those unable to secure vulnerable websites have been urged to consider taking them offline until they can be safely patched.

Cybersecurity researchers at Wiz estimates that roughly 70 per cent of the internet could be affected by the flaw.

PHP is widely used behind the scenes of websites, including those built using popular platforms such as Drupal, Joomla and WordPress.

Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.

Ben is an award-winning journalist who joined the Olive Press in January 2024 and is currently Deputy Digital Editor. He loves the adrenaline rush of a breaking news story and the tireless work required to uncover an eye-opening exclusive. He has reported from Marbella, Barcelona and London, where he is currently studying an MA in International Journalism. Send tips to ben@theolivepress.es

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Gerald Marie
Previous Story

EXCLUSIVE: Former modelling boss with links to Epstein handed Ibiza lawsuit over claims he raped American supermodel Carre Otis

Next Story

Hero off-duty cop saves woman from savage beating by armed thugs in Malaga

Gerald Marie
Previous Story

EXCLUSIVE: Former modelling boss with links to Epstein handed Ibiza lawsuit over claims he raped American supermodel Carre Otis

Next Story

Hero off-duty cop saves woman from savage beating by armed thugs in Malaga

Latest from Business & Finance

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to read this article, plus limited free content.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.

Go toTop