Your account security is of utmost importance to us. As your web hosting provider, we are committed to ensuring we operate the most secure web hosting network and the ongoing security of your website(s)/hosted application(s).
Most websites today rely on PHP to power their web applications and scripts. Chances are, your business website also utilizes PHP to support various functionalities, such as web forms and CMS platforms like Drupal or WordPress.
To ensure smooth operations and security, the PHP community consistently releases newer versions of PHP. Each release branch of PHP is actively supported for two years from its initial stable release. Within this time-frame, the community diligently resolves bugs and addresses security concerns through regular point releases. Following the two-year active support period, each branch receives an additional year of support exclusively for critical security issues. However, once these three years of support conclude, the branch reaches its end of life and is no longer maintained.
PHP 8 Community Supported Versions
Why Is This Important To Me?
If you operate a website, it is crucial to know the version of PHP running on your website. When the PHP community discontinues security updates for a specific PHP branch, websites still using the outdated branch become vulnerable to data breaches and malicious attacks by hackers.
The following are the end-of-life dates for PHP 8 security patches:
- PHP 8.0 – Nov 26, 2023
- PHP 8.1 – Nov 25, 2024
- PHP 8.2 – Dec 08, 2025
What Will Be Done to Operate Secure Web Hosting?
Your account security is of utmost importance to us. As your web hosting provider, we are committed to operating a highly secure web hosting platform to ensuring the ongoing security of your website(s) and hosted application(s).
On Nov 26, 2023, our engineers will deactivate all insecure PHP versions (ie PHP 8.0.x or lower). Any hosted web application running older, insecure versions of PHP will be automatically switched to a secure version of PHP 8.1.x.
The above change will only impact the web hosting platform. Your web application code will NOT be altered. If your web application was written using modern PHP code, it should continue to operate properly. In some rare cases, your web application might fail due to compatibility issues with PHP 8.x.
As a valued BEZA customer, you can easily check the version of PHP running on your website through the BEZA hosting control panel:
Don’t Want to Wait? Switch to PHP 8.1.x Today!
Currently, we offer two PHP branches to choose from: PHP 8.1 or 8.2. The PHP community will be supporting these branches with updates and security patches until November 2024 and November 2025, respectively.
We highly recommend all customers to use PHP 8.2.x, which provides the best performance and incorporates the latest technology.
If you wish to switch your web hosting PHP version prior to the automatic switch on 11/26/23, simply login to the hosting control panel and change the PHP version to 8.1 or 8.2 like so:
After Switching to Secure PHP 8.1+, What’s Next?
Once PHP is updated, it is highly recommended for all customers to thoroughly test their web applications to ensure compatibility with the new PHP version.
If your website was developed by our professional Web Developers, it is fully compatible with PHP 8.2 since January 01, 2023. Otherwise, we suggest consulting with your web developer to confirm if your web application is fully compatible with PHP 8.1 or 8.2. Your web developer can consult the PHP community migration documentation for further information.
In case you do not have a web developer, our professional Website Maintenance team can perform an initial analysis to determine the compatibility of your website with PHP 8.1 or 8.2.
Need Help Securing Your Web Applications?
Securing your website is crucial to guarding your data as well as sensitive information from your customers. Taking preventative measures to protect your site can save you time and money — and it can also protect your brand reputation.
Our secure web hosting platform unfortunately can’t protect you if your web application code is insecure. This is why you should always have your web application code reviewed for new vulnerabilities.
At BEZA, we prioritize the security of your website and the smooth operation of your web applications. As your trusted web hosting provider, we understand the importance of keeping up with PHP updates. Contact us to speak with one of our professional security specialists who can assist with securing your online properties today.
