technology

AI discovered a massive cyber-security flaw - here's what happened

AI discovered a massive cyber-security flaw - here's what happened

The BBC's technology correspondent Joe Tidy explains how it happened, and what it means for you.

Governments and cyber-security agencies around the world are scrambling to contain a massive flaw in internet technology, after AI discovered issues that could be exploited by hackers.

Developers of the PHP platform - which powers more than 70% of websites, including Wikipedia and digital shopping sites - rolled out patches to fix the vulnerabilities that had been lurking in their software for years.

Cyber-security firm Wiz described the issue as the "most severe" ever detected, while OpenAI, whose technology was used to find the flaws, called the discovery "one of the most impactful security issues in recent memory".

But how did AI discover a massive cyber-security risk in the internet, and what does it mean for you? The BBC's technology correspondent Joe Tidy reports.

  • flaw
  • cyber
  • security
  • bbc
  • technology
  • correspondent
  • joe
  • tidy

Summaries and tags are generated automatically. Stay informed with VidiaNews.

Related news

OPINION: The Great China-US Divide: AI for Good Versus AI Weaponisation
technology

OPINION: The Great China-US Divide: AI for Good Versus AI Weaponisation

A partnership between UNESCO and Chinese coding platform Codemao is helping introduce artificial intelligence (AI) education into Kenyan schools, offering a practical illustration of China’s argument that technology should advance humanity. For Augustine Nzuki, a teacher at Tala Township Primary School in Machakos County, the difference between theory and practice became apparent during a sponsored visit to Shenzhen, China.

Read →
Ghana urges inclusive AI development as One Million Coders registrations exceed 140,000
technology

Ghana urges inclusive AI development as One Million Coders registrations exceed 140,000

Ghana has called for artificial intelligence (AI), satellite connectivity and other emerging technologies to be designed around people’s needs, warning that technological advancement must not deepen existing inequalities or leave underserved communities behind. The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the call during a panel discussion on emerging technologies at the ongoing International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 in Doha, Qatar.

Read →
The (alleged) spy who loved me: the Nvidia scandal - podcast
technology

The (alleged) spy who loved me: the Nvidia scandal - podcast

Global technology editor Dan Milmo on the scandal rocking the world of AI: US intelligence believes the lover of Nvidia’s chief executive, Jensen Huang, is a Chinese spy Nvidia is one of the biggest companies in the world. Global technology editor Dan Milmo talks through the scandal that has rocked both Silicon Valley and the financial markets.

Read →
Npontu Technologies marks 10 years of building digital solutions, eyes Africa’s AI future
technology

Npontu Technologies marks 10 years of building digital solutions, eyes Africa’s AI future

Ghanaian technology company Npontu Technologies is marking its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of developing digital solutions and pursuing its ambition to contribute to Africa’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. In 2018, Npontu launched Snwolley AI, with the stated goal of developing artificial intelligence that better understands African languages, accents, cultures, communities and businesses.

Read →
How AI is helping Nigerian farmers tackle crop diseases, improve farm decisions
technology

How AI is helping Nigerian farmers tackle crop diseases, improve farm decisions

CropCura, a digital agricultural innovation co-founded by Victor Onyekachukwu, is seeking to change this practice by bringing crop diagnosis and farm advisory services directly to farmers through technology. Through digital farm profiles containing information about farmers, their locations, crops and farm sizes, Onyekachukwu said the technology will also combine a credit-scoring system that can help financial institutions assess farmers for lending.

Read →