HeartBleed

The web vulnerability HeartBleed is getting a large amount of press right now. It is a serious security flaw that affects many websites online and should not be ignored. Don't panic, we must work in facts krebsonsecurity.com and not the hyperbole that is being discussed in the media. The vulnerability has been there for two years. There is currently zero evidence that anyone has exploited HeartBleed for nefarious reasons here at MIAD or anywhere else. FYI The online HeartBleed vulnerability tests you may find online are not 100% accurate, as they test for just some of the symptoms of this vunerability.

Any and all transactions being made on MIAD servers are as secure as humanly possible. Many of our severs were already immune to HeartBleed, the remaining servers have been secured. Despite zero evidence of intrusion or exploitation of HeartBleed, in the coming weeks we will be having our certificates (they allows us to communicate securely) reissued, which we already do annually. On an hourly basis your friendly neighborhood Tech Team is defending MIAD's users, network, and data against bad guys. In the connected world we live in this has become part of our daily jobs. Come visit us to hear the tales of battle.

Our professional recommendation for you the MIAD community is the same we would give with or without HeartBleed. Be mindful of your online presence and security.
- Change your online passwords on a regular basis (you can change your MIAD password at myaccount.miad.edu)
- Always be aware of the activities of your banks and credit card accounts
- Use reputable places online to do your business
- Make sure the websites you use are responding to current security threats
- Never give out your username and password
- If a website that you use sends you a link in an email asking for personal information such as usernames and passwords, go to the website yourself to confirm the validity of the request. Do not follow the link emailed to you.
- Stay informed on how to keep yourself secure online
- Backup, Backup, Backup

There will always be vulnerabilities and bad guys trying to make a buck off of us. Just like the physical security on your personal property, you should always be vigilant of your online presence and security.

As always please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.