Heartbleed is a bug that can exploit encryption software, exposing personal data such as passwords and credit card numbers.
Businesses and consumers should take steps to protect themselves, and the Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York has some advice.
Spokesperson Peggy Penders says businesses should check to see if their site is vulnerable, and work with their IT department to install more secure encryption software.
And consumers should change their passwords.
She says the Better Business Bureau advises passwords that are "long and strong," using a combination of phrases and numbers to make them more complex.
Penders advises using separate passwords for all accounts.
TheBetter Business Bureau has a link to a site that provides updates on top websites and whether they are vulnerable to the Heartbleed bug, and other actions consumers should take in dealing with this security vulnerability.