How this flaw exposing my information?
The heartbleed flaw does not attack Internet users directly, instead it affects Web servers running a free set of tools called OpenSSL encryption. Once the servers are infected, hackers are able to access information stored on the server and the user interactions with the infected sites hosted by the server.
This means that even if the user enters their information into a secure website, or a website with a URL that begins with "https" that is infected with this bug, hackers will be able to access information you provide on the site. It is not known what information is accessible by the flaw, but many security experts suggest that sensitive information such as passwords, banking information, stored files and other information can be exposed.
What can I do to protect myself?
Unfortunately, since the fault must be attached to the side of the server, or the company that manages the server, consumers are limited in the ways they can protect themselves. That said, there are still some precautions you can take to ensure the security of your information.
Normally, when there is a kind of security flaw, it is suggested that you immediately change your password for your entire account. This is not the case with this defect. Instead of changing your password , security experts recommend that you wait until you receive confirmation of a company that the issue does not exist on its servers or has been corrected. The main reason behind this is if you change your password while the site's servers are still infected by default, then you just get your new password most to potential hackers.
If you prefer to see if a specific website can be affected, you can check it with this tool created by an expert of the Italian security. It should be noted that although we found the tool useful most of the time, there were some cases where the site "timed out" and could not provide any information.
Additional step to protect yourself: Fortunately, there are preventive measures you can take to protect your information if it is exposed by the heartbleed flaw - sign for protection identity theft. These services monitor the use of your personal information on the Internet black market and public documents, so if your information is violated by the heartbleed security breach or other violation, you will be alerted of any use of your information.
In addition to this, most protective services against identity theft also monitor the activity of all three of your credit reports - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion - and alert you if something is added or modified on one of the reports. In case you be a victim of identity theft when you are connected to a protection service against identity theft, you will be guided through each step of the restoration process by an expert restoration of identity theft.
And the best part of identity theft protection services is that most of them offer some kind of free trial so you can test the service before making any financial commitment. Visit our identity notice of protection against theft to see which service will best suit your needs.