New computer vulnerability affecting Linux, Mac users

A new computer vulnerability called Shellshock or the "Bash Bug" has put both Linux and Mac users at risk.

Bash Bug allows attackers to take control of computers and gain access to data and services in the cloud.

Some 500 million computers could be at risk.

Security experts say Bash Bug poses an even greater threat than Heartbleed, another large-scale vulnerability that's affected many popular websites and services like Gmail and Facebook.

Although the full impact is still unknown, Heartbleed could have quietly exposed your sensitive account information sometime in the past two years.

Shellshock is arguably worse since it could let cybercriminals fully take over servers and individual machines.

They could gain access to databases, files and source code, and they could even change or delete data. It's possible for them to do this and have a user not even know that their system was exploited.

There's not much individuals can do right now to protect their information, but avoid logging in to public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks like those in coffee shops.

Also, be sure to install updated software as soon as it's released.