Log4j security flaw: UK companies could face fines for failing to patch vulnerability

A security flaw discovered in December 2021 makes private data vulnerable to hackers – and the UK government could take action against firms that fail to fix it



Technology



19 January 2022

Security vulnerability Log4J detected. 3d illustration.; Shutterstock ID 2091644746; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Log4J software is used by millions of web servers

Alexander Limbach/Shutterstock

UK firms could face government fines if they fail to patch the Log4j computer vulnerability, even if they haven’t had data breaches, authorities have confirmed to New Scientist.

A security flaw discovered in December 2021 in a piece of software called Log4j saw a global rush to patch the code and prevent hackers accessing private data. The software is used by millions of web servers, and while many have now been patched there will be others that weren’t, because it requires …