Idaho Fish and Game implements cyber precautions following national PHP vulnerability warning

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Following nationwide cybersecurity alerts, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is taking precautionary measures to secure its website and online services.

Thursday, IDFG announced it had temporarily replaced the site's full functionality with a minimal, static webpage to minimize the risk of a potential security vulnerability.

The security flaws, dubbed "PHP2Shell," were originally discovered earlier this year by cybersecurity researchers using AI-assisted analysis tools, who reported the issues to the PHP development team.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, open-source software provider PHP, short for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, issued an emergency patch to protect from the vulnerabilities. However, by Friday, the provider warned of another unpatched security concern.

In response, the National Security Agency advised organizations, including state agencies, to immediately take vulnerable systems offline, enhance network logging, and retire outdated software.

IDFG is following these national cybersecurity guidelines to safeguard public data and maintain system stability.

What’s Working for Idahoans

Despite temporary site limitations, Fish and Game's website still provides important information for hunters and anglers, including seasons and rules brochures, public comment opportunities, access to our licensing website, hunter education opportunities, and IDFG contact information.

"Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure the IDFG website remains safe, stable, and reliable," the agency shared in a statement. "To receive up-to-date information on the status of the website, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Threads."

Idahoans with questions or in need of information not currently on the site are encouraged to call or visit their local regional Fish and Game office.

• Headquarters (Boise): 600 S. Walnut Street | (208) 334-3700
• Panhandle Region (Coeur d'Alene): 2885 W. Kathleen Ave. | (208) 769-1414
• Clearwater Region (Lewiston): 3316 16th St. | (208) 799-5010
• Southwest Region (Nampa): 15950 N. Gate Blvd. | (208) 465-8465
• Southwest Region (McCall): 555 Deinhard Lane | (208) 634-8137
• Magic Valley Region (Jerome): 324 South 417 East - Suite 1 | (208) 324-4359
• Southeast Region (Pocatello): 1345 Barton Road | (208) 232-4703
• Upper Snake Region (Idaho Falls): 4279 Commerce Circle | (208) 525-7290
• Salmon Region (Salmon): 99 Hwy. 93 N. | (208) 756-2271