Hackers May Have Used Security Flaw To Bleed Internet For Sensitive Information

Discussion in 'Stock Market Forum' started by PaulSchinider, Apr 12, 2014.

  1. PaulSchinider

    PaulSchinider Well-Known Member

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    A major security vulnerability on the internet, dubbed “Heartbleed”, has alarm bells ringing across the globe. Here’s why the cyber world is calling it the ultimate cyber catastrophe

    A major online security vulnerability that supposedly affected thousands of websites over the last two years was uncovered earlier this week, prompting a scramble to close the security hole.

    The bug, labeled “Heartbleed”, may have allowed hackers to secretly extract sensitive consumer information and go undetected; however, it is equally likely that so far no one has actually taken advantage of the flaw. A Finnish security firm, Codenomicon, first discovered the bug, and Neel Mehta, an independent researcher working with Google Inc. (GOOG), diagnosed the threat at around the same time. Heartbleed affects OpenSSL, an open-source encryption technology that is used on about 66% of all web servers. OpenSSL is used in many HTTPS sites that collect personal and/or financial information, and while most internet users do not exactly know what the encryption technology does, they do interact with it on a daily basis. Interaction can be as simple as entering in a password for an email account, or as complicated as filing tax returns electronically.
     
  2. Franco

    Franco Member

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    This doesn't surprise me. We are now in an age where our security is non-existent.
     
  3. Annabell

    Annabell Well-Known Member

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    It'd be nice if they posted what sites were affected by this. Saying that two thousand sites were affected is like saying that there's a few glasses of water in the ocean. It doesn't nearly encompass the full scope of what is out there.
     
  4. HeinrichM

    HeinrichM Active Member

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    This does not sound very good at all. Internet security has always been an issue and the big companies are doing their best to plug the holes. If you read about the number of successful hacks that have been performed in the last year alone it gives you an idea of the vulnerabilities. Some of the bigger companies prefer to keep leaks and theft of data secret in order to protect their reputation. Always be careful when using the Internet and use your common sense.
     
  5. Annabell

    Annabell Well-Known Member

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    Unfortunately common sense isn't enough these days. Even when using common sense things can turn around on you, like with the PSN hack from...last year I believe.
     
  6. PaulSchinider

    PaulSchinider Well-Known Member

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    Right Saying Annabell i totally agree with your point of view!!!
     
  7. Annabell

    Annabell Well-Known Member

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    Thanks very much :)
     
  8. Strykstar

    Strykstar Well-Known Member

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    This is sadly the kind of news that keep people away from investing too much nowadays, except for the big guys.
    The average Joe is just scared away by the thought of some hacker running off with their investments.

    Any idea why they say no one has taken advantage of this flaw?
     

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