The Internet community was rattled last week with news that a serious vulnerability in the way that many websites store information has been allowing anyone on the Internet to steal protected information, such as usernames and passwords. Priya Anand from Marketwatch.com explains the bug known as Heartbleed:
“Websites encrypt your information, like emails, passwords and credit card numbers, so if anyone tries to snoop, they get a gibberish code and your data stays between you and the people you want to send it to. At least that’s the way it’s supposed to work. [Last] week, researchers found a hole in OpenSSL, the lock that an estimated two-thirds of websites use. They’re calling the bug “Heartbleed.”
What’s more, any attacks let in due to the bug can’t be traced, experts say. This is a gaping security hole with “epic repercussions,” director of security firm AlienVault Labs Jaime Blasco says, even if you’re starting to become numb to all the data breaches of late.”
The article goes on to explain 5 ways to stay safe on the Internet going forward:
1) Know who and who not to trust online
2) Change your passwords and use two-step verification
3) Be wary of public Wi-Fi networks
4) Monitor recent account activity
5) Install all the annoying security updates and read the alerts
At Tep, we pride ourselves on providing our users with a safe and reliable Internet connection. Free public Wi-Fi sources may be convenient at times, but these unsecure connections may leave you open to attacks. All of our Tep pocket wifi devices are encrypted with a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to ensure a secure connection.
Additionally, our hostname is unaffected by the bug. You can find out more info on Tep’s URL or any on the web here.
You can also find out more info on the bug at www.heartbleed.com.