Heartbleed was a bug in OpenSSL software used on web servers worldwide. OpenSSL encrypts data sent from the server to web visitors. It includes a feature called a heartbeat, which sends some data back to the visitor’s browser to let it know the site is ready and waiting for request and the heartbeat sends the same amount of data that the browser received, like an echo. But the Heartbleed bug added a vulnerability that could enable passwords and other data could have been openly accessed and the hackers likely would have gone undetected.

Contactless smart cards can do more than open doors. So, what do college students, business travelers, sports enthusiasts and visitors of theme parks have in common? They’re all using contactless smart cards to make purchases, personalize their experiences and access loyalty programs.

Enterprises that use SaaS tools and web apps for business operations often have to share user names and passwords among multiple employees. Making these passwords strong and memorable has been always been difficult. This led AVISIAN to evaluate different password solutions identity and access management tools, ultimately giving Gemalto’s CloudEntr a try.

Near field communication has been an “emerging” technology for half a decade and some are tired of waiting for it to become truly mainstream. Some are pointing to Bluetooth low-energy as an alternative to NFC while others say the two technologies may be complimentary.

Hardware security modules are the best when it comes to securing cryptographic keys. The secure, tamper-resistant pieces of hardware store cryptographic keys and provision encryption, decryption, authentication and digital signing services. These modules traditionally come in the form of a plug-in card or an external device attached directly to a computer or network server. They are essential to manage and provide protection for transactions, identities and applications.

Physical security professionals are having to make tough decisions. These decisions are being driven by the need to offer value and become more than just a corporate cost center. Physical access control systems need to reduce risk and cost, increase efficiency and add value. They also need to collect better intelligence and enable collaboration with other departments for improved incident response and remediation. By using systems that adhere to standards, end users can make it easier to add to systems down the road as well as upgrade and change system.

Issuing electronic passports is but one step countries can take to protect borders. Countries also need to make sure they are hooked up to the proper databases so they can make sure the travel documents are valid and not stolen as well.