PHP 5: an obsolete and dangerous language
Popular CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal were built using PHP, one of the most widely used languages in web development. However, PHP 5 has reached its end of life and has not received security updates since 1 January 2019.
The problem? Many sites still use versions like PHP 5.6 or older, leaving them exposed to serious security vulnerabilities with no fixes available.
What does «end of life» mean in software?
When software enters End of Life (EOL) status, it stops receiving:
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Security updates
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Official technical support
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Compatibility with modern technologies
This means that any future vulnerability will remain unpatched, leaving your site in constant risk of attack.
When did PHP 5 support end?
| PHP version | Security support ended |
|---|---|
| PHP 5.6 | 31 December 2018 |
| PHP 7.0 | 10 January 2019 |
Today, only much more modern PHP versions are actively supported. Using PHP 5 is like driving without a seatbelt.
Why upgrade to PHP 7 or higher?
Updating your PHP version not only improves security — it also provides clear benefits:
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Faster loading speed (up to 2–3 times faster than PHP 5)
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Bug fixes and security patches
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Compatibility with updated plugins and CMS platforms
If your site is still running on PHP 5, the ideal step is to upgrade to at least PHP 7.4 or higher. Some more recent versions even have support until 2026.
How to check which PHP version you are using
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Log in to your control panel (cPanel or DirectAdmin).
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Go to the «MultiPHP Manager» section.
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There you will see the current version used by each domain in your account.
How to change your PHP version at Bacan.com
We explain it step by step in this tutorial:
👉 How to change your PHP version on your hosting
It only takes a few clicks from the panel and your site will be more secure and faster.
Useful tip
Although PHP 7.2 was a good option, it has also reached end of life. We currently recommend using the latest stable version, such as PHP 8.1 or higher, to ensure long-term compatibility and support.
Keep in mind
Using old PHP versions is a serious threat to your website. At Bacan.com, we give you the tools to upgrade easily and keep your site secure, fast, and compatible with the latest standards.
Need help with the upgrade? Visit our help centre or contact our technical support team.