A security warning was issued recently for those who use Internet Explorer (IE). There is a newly-announced security flaw that may allow attackers to install malicious code on your computer to steal valuable data or cause other harm.

Microsoft has confirmed that the security vulnerability affects Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11. The company is currently working on a patch for the security hole and will release a fix through the usual Windows Update channel. However, it is unlikely they will release a patch for Windows XP users now that official support for that operating system has ended. We recommend members to retire Windows XP and migrate to Windows 7 or Windows 8.

We recommend switching to another web browser such as Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari until a patch has been released. We also urge you to make sure your antivirus software is running and is up to date.

It is always good security practice to refrain from visiting sites wherein you are unsure about their nature or content. Also, you should never click on any links found in emails that come from unsolicited or unknown sources.

It’s come to our attention that Apple has released an iOS update that fixes some security issues for iPhones, iPads, and iPods. If you are using a device that runs iOS and haven’t updated to iOS 7.1.1 yet, we strongly suggest updating to iOS 7.1.1 as soon as is convenient to make sure your mobile device is secure.

Apple details how you can update your device’s Operating System on their support page: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4623

POPA Federal Credit Union has assessed and found all member web-facing systems unaffected by the “Heartbleed Bug”. Please feel confident that POPA Federal Credit Union has and will continue to take the required steps to address current and future security issues. We will, continue to monitor all systems and keep members informed as necessary.

What is “Heartbleed Bug”?

The Heartbleed Bug is a serious vulnerability in the popular OpenSSL cryptographic software library. This weakness allows stealing the information protected, under normal conditions, by the SSL/TLS encryption used to secure the Internet. SSL/TLS provides communication security and privacy over the Internet for applications such as web, email, instant messaging (IM) and some virtual private networks (VPNs).

The Heartbleed bug allows anyone on the Internet to read the memory of the systems protected by the vulnerable versions of the OpenSSL software. This compromises the secret keys used to identify the service providers and to encrypt the traffic, the names and passwords of the users and the actual content. This allows attackers to eavesdrop on communications, steal data directly from the services and users and to impersonate services and users. This is all accomplished without leaving a trace on the server.

What can I do to protect myself?

It is recommended that members regularly change all internet accessible passwords (Online banking systems, e-mail accounts, online shopping accounts, etc.) and use a unique password for each system. POPA Federal Credit Union recommends that members contact manufacturers of all internet connected devices about any possible Heartbleed Bug vulnerabilities.

Is my mobile device secure?

Apple computer announce that all their devices and applications have not been affected by the Heartbleed Bug, except for the Blackberry Messenger for IOS application. Google Android and Windows devices have been found secure except for Google Android versions 4.1.0 and 4.1.1. We recommend that members contact their mobile device provider or cellular carrier for more information about any Heartbleed bug vulnerabilities.

What is not affected?

Web, email and mobile-app communications that were never meant to be secure. Windows PCs, Macs, most Linux desktop and laptop machines. iOS (Apple) devices and most Android devices.

Questions?

Please call us at (562) 229-9181 and one of our Member Service Representatives will be happy to assist you.

POPA Federal Credit Union has assessed and found all member web-facing systems unaffected by the “Heartbleed Bug”. Please feel confident that POPA Federal Credit Union has and will continue to take the required steps to address current and future security issues. We will, continue to monitor all systems and keep members informed as necessary.

What is “Heartbleed Bug”?

The Heartbleed Bug is a serious vulnerability in the popular OpenSSL cryptographic software library. This weakness allows stealing the information protected, under normal conditions, by the SSL/TLS encryption used to secure the Internet. SSL/TLS provides communication security and privacy over the Internet for applications such as web, email, instant messaging (IM) and some virtual private networks (VPNs).

The Heartbleed bug allows anyone on the Internet to read the memory of the systems protected by the vulnerable versions of the OpenSSL software. This compromises the secret keys used to identify the service providers and to encrypt the traffic, the names and passwords of the users and the actual content. This allows attackers to eavesdrop on communications, steal data directly from the services and users and to impersonate services and users. This is all accomplished without leaving a trace on the server.

What can I do to protect myself?

It is recommended that members regularly change all internet accessible passwords (Online banking systems, e-mail accounts, online shopping accounts, etc.) and use a unique password for each system. POPA Federal Credit Union recommends that members contact manufacturers of all internet connected devices about any possible Heartbleed Bug vulnerabilities.

Is my mobile device secure?

Apple computer announce that all their devices and applications have not been affected by the Heartbleed Bug, except for the Blackberry Messenger for IOS application. Google Android and Windows devices have been found secure except for Google Android versions 4.1.0 and 4.1.1. We recommend that members contact their mobile device provider or cellular carrier for more information about any Heartbleed bug vulnerabilities.

What is not affected?

Web, email and mobile-app communications that were never meant to be secure. Windows PCs, Macs, most Linux desktop and laptop machines. iOS (Apple) devices and most Android devices.

Questions?

Please call us at (562) 229-9181 and one of our Member Service Representatives will be happy to assist you.