For many, the internet feels less stable recently, with generative artificial intelligence making it simpler to exploit hidden security flaws. A critical vulnerability in PHP, a technology powering over 70 per cent of websites, forced many organisations to take their sites offline last week. This incident highlights a growing risk: AI tools can threaten the underlying systems that keep the internet running, often moving faster than organisations can patch them. The Australian Signals Directorate issued more than 4400 notifications about potentially malicious cyber activity in 2025–26, a figure nearly 80 per cent higher than the previous year. In this environment, it is reasonable to ask whether such failures will become widespread or if the entire network could be brought down.
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How can I prepare for online service outages?
Preparedness is essential, and it starts now by identifying the services, apps or tools that would disrupt our lives or businesses if they became unavailable. Store important contact numbers, photos, receipts, booking details and essential documents such as medical prescriptions securely so you can access them even without an internet connection. Find other ways to communicate, access your data, make a payment or complete an essential task if your usual service is unavailable.
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