A flaw in the most popular web encryption system could leave people vulnerable to data theft according to security researchers. That little padlock in the lower right corner of a browser window or the letters “https” in the address bar are supposed to mean that the site is encrypted but the most popular method, called OpenSSL has had a hole for at least two years.
The Heartbleed bug “allows anyone on the Internet to read the memory of the systems protected by the vulnerable versions of the OpenSSL software,” according to Codenomicon’s Heartbleed.com site, which added, “This allows attackers to eavesdrop on communications, steal data directly from the services and users and to impersonate services and users.”
Test sites you visit
These tests aren’t 100% definitive. It are an indicator of whether the site you’re using is currently vulnerable, but it doesn’t indicate whether it may have been affected in the past. So even if the site you enter comes up clear there is no guarantee that it wasn’t vulnerable earlier. Still, it’s worth checking the Lastpass Heartbleed checker, the Filippo Valsorda’s report and the Qualys SSL Labs report. CNET has posted a list on the Heartbleed status for top 100 sites.
Is it time to change passwords?
Some experts are advising people to change their passwords right away but others suggest that it’s better to wait until you know your site is clear, lest you simply give hackers access to the new password.
As published on http://www.forbes.com/sites/larrymagid/2014/04/09/test-for-heartbleed-vulnerability-and-advice-on-changing-passwords/
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About Shailendra Nair
AI Generalist & Executive Tech Leader in Insurance & Benefits Tech. Driving growth, trust, and resilience from AIG to Marsh McLennan.
I am an AI Generalist and Executive Technology Leader with a career dedicated to reimagining how insurance and benefits ecosystems work in a digital first world. My expertise spans Insurance & Benefits Tech, digital transformation, and cybersecurity, with a proven ability to turn technology into both a growth engine and a resilience enabler.
I have worked with global leaders such as PepsiCo, Allianz, AIG, and Marsh McLennan, experiences that gave me a rare mix of perspectives across insurance carriers, broking, and benefits advisory. This combination allows me to design solutions that balance global standards, local compliance, and client expectations while driving measurable business value.
My strength lies in full stack insurance technology leadership, covering Property & Casualty, Life, and Benefits. I bring hands-on expertise in infrastructure, cloud, security, and enterprise architecture, combined with data platforms, AI automation, and digital ecosystems. Having led across this spectrum, I can translate complex technology into practical outcomes that deliver trust, scale, and innovation.
As an AI Generalist, I focus on impact:
• Building automation first operations that scale efficiently.
• Designing chatbots and intelligent assistants to empower employees and clients.
• Deploying AI-driven QA frameworks to improve speed and accuracy.
• Exploring agentic AI roles to support compliance and transformation.
My philosophy is simple: technology should reduce friction, inspire confidence, and accelerate growth. I design platforms that enhance sales, revenue, and client stickiness, proving that tech can directly enable business outcomes. At the same time, I remain deeply client centric a solution enabler who thinks out of the box to solve real challenges and deliver measurable ROI.
🌍 What excites me most is reimagining benefits ecosystems for the future of work. Employees demand seamless digital first experiences, organizations need efficiency, and regulators require trust and security. My mission is to build ecosystems that are secure, resilient, innovative, and human focused.
The opinion expressed here or re- blogged are my personal opinion and views and has no relation to any organization , group or people.
::: Shailendra Nair ::: 