While the Heartbleed bug sucks data from innocent websites and users, the Internet barreled on with more updates to keep up with. Without further ado, here’s what we found to be the biggest news, so you may comfortably remain snuggled under a rock.

Heartbleed: Scariest Security Bug Ever

The Internet freaked out early last week (and rightfully so) at the discovery of a severe security bug called Heartbleed, which has been making about two thirds of all websites vulnerable for two years. “On a scale of 1 to 10, this is an 11,” security expert Bruce Schneier declared. This is nothing to take lightly, so read more to find out how to protect your data or website!

Major Twitter Profile Redesign

Twitter is quietly testing a new look that will certainly feel familiar. The design dumps tacky profile backgrounds and strictly vertical feed in favor of a cover photo and Facebook-esque layout. It’s a far departure from current and past layouts, so you may let out a gasp—or perhaps just mistake it for its competitor.

WordPressing Matters

It was announced last week that WordPress 3.9 will be leaving Beta to be officially released to all users this Wednesday, April 16th. Anyone that’s gotten a peek at the new version knows it’s quite different, and rather delicious. Read up on some of the changes you can expect here.

Twitter Hearts Android

Twitter has acquired lock-screen application provider Cover, which works with Android devices. This could give the social network a leg up when mobile owners use the app to select which apps they see and when, and this shows Twitter’s increasing commitment to the operating system. “Twitter, like Cover, believes in the incredible potential of Android. They share our vision that smartphones can be a lot smarter — more useful and more contextual,” Cover said in a blog post. Props to Twitter for being a master of its own fate.

Universities Catching on to Social

This is the month future college-goers must decide on their school of choice, but with all the competition, universities are turning more to social media marketing and digital ad space to seduce prospective students. Social media allows colleges to pinpoint youth demographics and more easily track the performance of their outreach efforts. “We don’t discount using outdoor ads or print ads but you can’t measure it like you can the digital stuff,” says Cleveland State University’s Rob Spademan. Eloquently stated, sir.

Research: Twitter ad results > Facebook

According to a report from Resolution, Twitter ads perform better than Facebook ads for marketers; however, advertisers continue to shovel more budget at Facebook, likely because they expected better results in the first place with less. Looking at $37 million worth of social media ads, the report showed Twitter ads have a higher click-rate, are easier to tie to current trends and conversations, and appear less cluttered.

Nixing Paid Search Keywords?

Rumors are swirling that Google is about to send paid search keyword data in the same direction they sent organic search keyword data: to the land of not provided. According to Search Engine Journal, the search giant will be protecting paid search data, which means marketers can look forward to a lot more ‘Not Provided’ in their Analytics results. Any by “look forward to,” we mean “dread.”

Happy Tax Day!

Weekly Digital Roundup (4.14.14)

Launched: Davidoff Cigars