This discussion is just what I was looking for to resolve my questions on the "Requirement" for "PHP 7.4."

Thanks, guys, for speaking in detail to the use of PHP 8.x with later versions of UNA. I think the best way for UNA to word the PHP requirement in the future is to say, for example: "minimum requirement for UNA 13.x version is PHP 7.4" or whatever the appropriate version and minimum requirement is at that time. Subsequently, if there are any caveats regarding the use of higher PHP versions than the minimum, these can be addressed separately in a blog used by UNA for updates/bug-fixes/etc. As of this date (mid-2023), we are well beyond the EOL for 7.4.

Hackers look for low-hanging fruit; that is, they look for known vulnerabilities in outdated software. And while developers may issue patches or otherwise fix the older version for a while, it's good practice to install the latest stable version of perl, php, and python (along with associated modules, in case they have been updated, too), then test, test, test existing scripts and pages.

--Fran