Facebook to Get Slower, But More Secure

Social media site to get better at protecting

Your Facebook page is likely about to slow down, but the change will bring more security. Facebook is in the process of moving all of its users to an HTTPS (as opposed to HTTP; the new 's' stands for secure) type of Internet connection—the kind used when you're about to enter credit card information or a password online, and a little lock icon sometimes appears. "As the Web evolves, expectations around security change," Facebook's Alex Rice wrote last year. "For example, HTTPS -- once a technology used primarily on banking and e-commerce sites -- is now becoming the norm for any Web app that stores user information." Another blogger wrote, "HTTPS is a way for you to exchange information with a web site securely so you don't have to worry about anyone trying to listen in." Facebook will start making HTTPS the default setting for all its 1 billion-plus users, but people can opt-out for maximum speed if they so choose. Other online services, including Gmail, already use HTTPS by default. (CNN)

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