How to Update Your Facebook Security Settings to Secure HTTPS

Yesterday as I was scanning my Twitter feed, I noticed a tweet from one of my relatively new Tweeps regarding a new Facebook security measure. If you spend as much time as I do at coffee shops doing work- or if you spend any time at all surfing Facebook- you'll probably want to spend a few minutes this weekend to update your settings.

I won't get into the technical side of things, but basically Facebook is now offering the option for you, Facebook user, to browse your entire Facebook session securely via something called HTTPS. Facebook already uses this measure each time you login with a password, but up until now they haven't offered the ability for users to use HTTPS for entire Facebook sessions.

I know you're asking yourself, "Why didn't they do this a long time ago?", and my answer is I don't know. However, in the Facebook blog post about this update, they do mention that choosing the HTTPS option slows down a user's connection, and also that some Facebook applications aren't currently supported by the protocol. Regardless of the reason, I sometimes think we don't give Facebook enough credit for their consistency in rolling out new features and security measures like these; after all, they have to make sure that these changes will implement smoothly for a whopping 500 Million earthlings.

If you want to use the new feature, here's how to update your Facebook security:

From your account dropdown, click on Account Settings

Next to the Account Security section, click "Change"; then check the "Secure Browsing (https)" box

That was easy, wasn't it?! One more thing I feel I should mention: if you're a business owner or social media manager for your company and post updates outside of the office, I definitely suggest that you make this change ASAP. Even if it does take a little more time for your pages to load, it will help protect your business' professional image, and help prevent a hacker from posting "(Your company name) now sells prescription drugs for 70% less than pharmacy prices!" on your behalf.

The HTTPS option should be fully rolled out by now, so take a moment now to make the change!