Menu
Banking Exchange Magazine Logo
Menu

Banks told to patch systems due to Heartbleed threat

OpenSSL vulnerability provides loophole into otherwise encrypted areas

 
 
Banks told to patch systems due to Heartbleed threat

In response to the discovery of a crucial digital vulnerability called “Heartbleed,” the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council members expect financial institutions to incorporate patches on systems and services, applications, and appliances using OpenSSL and upgrade systems as soon as possible to address the vulnerability.

Financial institutions should consider replacing private keys and X.509 encryption certificates after applying the patch for each service that uses OpenSSL and consider requiring users and administrators to change passwords after applying the patch. Financial institutions relying upon third-party service providers should ensure those providers are aware of the vulnerability and are taking appropriate mitigation action.

OpenSSL is a cryptographic software library used to authenticate services and encrypt sensitive information. A significant vulnerability has been found in OpenSSL that could allow an attacker to decrypt, spoof, or perform attacks on network communications that would otherwise be protected by encryption.

In an additional alert, FFIEC says attackers could potentially impersonate bank services or users, steal login credentials, access sensitive email, or gain access to internal networks. Potential attacks are made feasible by the public availability of exploitation tools.

More information and resources

John Ginovsky

John Ginovsky is a contributing editor of Banking Exchange and editor of the publication’s Tech Exchange e-newsletter. For more than two decades he’s written about the commercial banking industry, specializing in its technological side and how it relates to the actual business of banking. In addition to his weekly blogs—"Making Sense of It All"—he contributes fresh, original stories to each Tech Exchange issue based on personal interviews or exclusive contributed pieces. He previously was senior editor for Community Banker magazine (which merged into ABA Banking Journal) and for ABA Banking Journal and was managing editor and staff reporter for ABA’s Bankers News. Email him at [email protected].

back to top

Sections

About Us

Connect With Us

Resources

 

Banking Exchange

This Is the Week to Register for the
BANKING EXCHANGE FLY-IN CONFERENCE

CHICAGO, Illinois — NOVEMBER 7, 2024
Registration closes at 5 pm central time Tuesday, November 5


Conference to be held at the University of Chicago, Booth Business School Downtown

This one-day event is open to all executives at U.S. financial institutions. On the agenda, will be: