How to protect yourself from HeartBleed Bug

This article is to inform you about the latest identified vulnerability, commonly called the “HeartBleed Bug”, found in a widely used encryption standard,which went unnoticed for about two years before it was exposed this month.

What is the HeartBleed Bug?

The HeartBleed Bug has been identified in certain versions of OpenSSL (Secure Sockets Layer) cryptographic software library which provides hackers the access to sensitive information such as login details, passwords, encryption keys, credit card numbers etc.

Also read: Precautions for safe online banking – spinfold

Who all are affected by this?

Users of websites which are using OpenSSL 1.0.1 as the encryption technique to protect data could have been impacted by this vulnerability.

How to protect yourself from HeartBleed Bug?

While most of the sites have already fixed the bug by applying relevant patches, it is good to take extra precautions by following the steps listed below.

1. Change the passwords of your online banking and personal accounts on sites such as Google, Yahoo or Facebook.

2. Choose a strong combination of letters, numbers and special characters for the passwords.

3. Choose different passwords for different accounts.

4. Change the passwords frequently.

5. Look out for possible phishing mails.Don’t follow any links given in suspicious looking emails.

6.Upgrade your antivirus and scan your devices and also see through that all your softwares are updated or patched.

Related articles: Precautions for safe online banking – spinfold and How to check if website is safe.