This guide explains why it is dangerous to use a PHP version that is no longer officially maintained and how to use a more recent PHP version with a website hosted by Infomaniak.

Is an outdated PHP version dangerous?

When you use a (soon-to-be) vulnerable PHP version on one or more of your websites, a warning message appears in the dashboard of the affected hosting.

The PHP language evolves regularly and when you use a PHP version that is no longer maintained, you expose your website to security risks. Malicious individuals could, for example, exploit known security vulnerabilities to gain access to your site and modify its content. It is therefore strongly recommended to always use a recent PHP version.

3 situations are possible:

• The PHP version is fully supported: no action is required
• The PHP version only receives security updates: it is recommended to use a more recent PHP version
• The PHP version is no longer maintained: it is strongly recommended to use a more recent PHP version

Learn more: http://php.net/supported-versions.php

Using a more recent version

The latest PHP versions are more performant and speed up the loading of websites.

Before using a more recent PHP version, it is important to follow the following precautions:

• If your site uses a CMS or a web application (WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.), make sure the current version of the CMS is supported by the PHP version you wish to use.
• If your site was developed manually, consult the official PHP documentation to learn about modified functions and any potential changes that may affect the operation of your code.

In case of malfunction after migrating to a more recent PHP version, it is sometimes possible to revert to a previous version, provided that it is still supported!