The fatal heart bleed bug that created an alarming situation
on the web since Monday had every web user asking what all is at risk? The
vulnerability has attacked several servers across the globe and many social
networks are asking their users to change their passwords to stay safe.
Yahoo!
Gmail & Youtube
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Yahoomail
Flickr & Tumblr
How do I make sure my password is robust?
The exploit was not related to weak passwords but now there are calls for a mass reset of existing ones, many are reiterating the need to make sure they are as secure as possible.
People should regularly change their passwords, said Prof Woodward, and they need to make sure that they choose something that does not relate to themselves, such as a pet's name. Words that don't appear in a dictionary are preferable as is a mixture of words and numbers.
For people whose attitude to passwords is to reset them each time they visit a site because they have forgotten them, there is help on hand.
Tools are now widely available that will store and organise all your passwords and PIN codes for computers, apps and networks. They can also generate passwords and can automatically enter your username and password into forms on websites.
Such tools store your passwords in an encrypted file that is accessible only through the use of a master password. Examples of such services include KeePass, LastPass and 1Password.
Some firms are starting to offer alternatives to passwords.
Mobile firms including Apple and Samsung are integrating fingerprint-readers which allow users to access their phone and certain functions on it just by swiping their finger on the screen.
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