Secure PHP Version Upgrade

I need the PHP stack on my Ubuntu/Debian-based cloud VPS brought up to the latest supported version so the server benefits from current security patches and long-term support. You will have root or sudo access (provided once we start) and full freedom to use apt, source builds, or a trusted PPA—whichever best guarantees stability. My priority is a smooth, well-documented upgrade with minimal downtime. Key things I expect you to handle: • Audit the current PHP version, active modules, and dependencies. • Back up configs and any affected virtual hosts or FPM pools. • Install and switch to the newest stable PHP release, re-enabling all required extensions. • Verify that existing sites load correctly, run a quick set of security checks, and roll logs showing no deprecation or fatal errors. • Leave me with a short hand-off note: commands used, files changed, and how to revert if ever necessary. If you have experience performing PHP upgrades on Ubuntu or Debian in a cloud/VPS environment and can complete this without service disruption, let’s get started.