The Heartbleed bug is one of the worst threats to online security and privacy in recent memory. Worse yet, the bug isn’t limited to computers – there’s also a chance your Android device is at risk, too. Google knows about Heartbleed and is working on a software patch, but your device could be at risk. Luckily, there’s a really simple way to check if your Android could be exploited on a malicious website. Head into the Google Play Store and download Heartbleed Detector, a free app from Lookout Mobile. When you first load up the app, it will tell you if your device contains the vulnerable version of OpenSSL, which is what Heartbleed targets, as well as whether or not the Heartbeat extension that hosts the coding bug is enabled. If your phone doesn’t have the vulnerable version of OpenSSL or the extension isn’t enabled, you’re fine. If that’s not the case, your phone is at risk – and you better be very careful about what you do until your operating system is patched.
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named LinkedIn’s “Top Voice in Technology,” he covers tech and business for Good Day New York, is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular daily business blog. He's a bestselling author, and the creator of the popular, free online course, Generative AI for Execs. Follow @shellypalmer or visit shellypalmer.com.