Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 2 hrs ago
SoftBank suspends emergency disaster alerts over PHP security flaw
SoftBank has temporarily suspended emergency alerts in Japan for earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters.
The company said the pause is due to a security vulnerability in the PHP programming language.
The suspension affects customers of SoftBank and its low-cost brands Ymobile and Linemo.
During the pause, phones will not sound an alert even when a strong earthquake is forecast.
The service also provides disaster and evacuation information, so SoftBank has urged customers to use alternative disaster warning apps.
SoftBank plans to resume the alerts on Monday.
SoftBank temporarily suspended emergency alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters because of a security vulnerability in PHP.
The suspension began at 6:47 a.m. Friday, October 23.
It affects customers of SoftBank and its low-cost brands Ymobile and Linemo.
During the suspension, phones will not sound alerts even if a strong earthquake is forecast.
SoftBank urged customers to use alternative disaster warning apps and plans to resume the service Monday.
- Who
- Japanese telecom operator SoftBank Corp.
- What
- It temporarily suspended emergency alerts for earthquakes, tsunamis and other disasters.
- When
- The suspension began at 6:47 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2026. SoftBank plans to resume the service Monday.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- A security vulnerability in the programming language PHP.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
SoftBank halted its emergency alert service.
SoftBank plans to resume the service.
- Affected operator
- SoftBank Corp.
- Affected brands
- Ymobile and Linemo
- Suspension began
- 6:47 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2026
- Cause
- A security vulnerability in PHP
- Planned resumption
- Monday