Do you run OpenSSL on your company’s business network? If so, you might be at risk from a potentially devastating security problem known as the Heartbleed bug. This bug can cause serious problems inside of OpenSSL, so if you have not updated the open source implementation, you need to right now. If not, you may lose valuable information and run into all sorts of other problems.
The Heartbleed bug is on the newer side in terms of security problems, but this does not mean you should take it lightly. In fact, it is one of the more serious malware bugs to come out in the last several years.
Due to this, you really need to upgrade your computer security measures and upgrade all of your precautionary software.
First What is OpenSSL
Of course, before we get into Heartbleed, it is important to make sure you actually have OpenSSL. If you are in charge of the networking of your company, you should already know this. However, if you are not, looking into this feature is something you need to do. First, the core library of this open source implementation is written in what is known as C programming language.
This is a basic computer language that allows you to use previously produced bits of code, so you do not need to do as much work as you might need to on your own. Now, this does not mean you necessarily need to use all other previously written coding for the network, but it can prove helpful.
There are also different forms of OpenSSL available for all major operating systems, including Mac OS X, Linux, Solarius, OpenVMS and Microsoft Windows.
What is the Heartbleed Bug
The Heartbleed bug is a threat that attacks the OpenSSL software. If you have used any sort of previously written coding for OpenSSL, there is a good chance you are vulnerable. However, even if you wrote everything yourself, there is still a chance your computer network is susceptible towards possible attacks. The bug can attach itself to files inside of the OpenSSL which allows anyone on the Internet to read, download and connect to information and data files inside of the system.
Basically, the Heartbleed bug is a master key that unlocks a large majority of networks using OpenSSL. This does not just include data though, but also security keys, passwords, usernames and just about anything else associated with the network.
How to Protect Against Heartbleed
In order to prevent your network’s information from leaking to outside users due to the Heartbleed bug, it is necessary to download the OpenSSL patch. This patch is available through the different operating vendors, so you need to download the update from your particular network OS provider.
This means, you do not download it directly from OpenSSL, but instead from Mac, Windows, Linux or whatever OS you are using. The patch does prevent Heartbleed from accessing your network information. Once installed though, it is a very good idea to upgrade your security measures all around for your network.
+Katrina is a product specialist, solving issues for your computer server and power needs at Racksolutions.com