OpenSSL vulnerability Heartbleed: Which passwords do I have to change?

Heartbleed scares the online world. Here you can find out which passwords you should change due to the OpenSSL bug.

What is the OpenSSL Gap Heartbleed?

Heartbleed is a bug in OpenSSL, a software that encrypts data connections. Some connections supposedly encrypted by OpenSSL could be intercepted by this error by third parties. It was also possible for third parties to read memory from servers unnoticed. Since this could also cause passwords to fall into the hands of third parties, you should change them at the providers concerned.

Which providers should I change my password for because of Heartbleed?

The following companies were affected by the problem and have already created a patch so that their password can no longer be read in the future. With these services you should change your password:

1. Social networks

• Facebook (instructions)
• Instagram
• Pinterest (Instructions)
• Tumblr (Instructions)

2. Mail provider

• Google including Gmail and YouTube
• Yahoo / Yahoo Mail (Instructions)
• GMX (Instructions)
• web.de (instructions)

3. Other services affected by Heartbleed

• dropbox
• Github
• Wunderlist
• 1 & 1 (instructions)
• freenet (instructions)
• SoundCloud
• flickr
• Minecraft (Instructions)

You can find a current overview on the homepage of the American website Mashable. You can find out here as soon as something happens to a service and you should also change your password there.

What needs to be considered when changing the password?

• If you use the same access data for other services and websites as for one of the services mentioned above, it is advisable to change the password there as well.
• Another practical tip tells you how to create a secure password.