A Day After CEO Is Hacked, Facebook Rolls Out New Security Features

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Coincidence? Sadly, probably yes.

One day after Mark Zuckerberg’s personal fan page was allegedly hacked, Facebook has introduced two new security measures. Are these guys responsive or what? (They even took my “should be using online banking-like security” advice.)

(More on Techland: Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook Page Was Hacked. Everybody Panic)

Effective immediately, users are able to view Facebook through HTTPS, which essentially creates an instantly secured connection over an otherwise insecure network. This will help eliminate password stealing while users browse on public wireless networks, a huge contributor to the volume of personal account hacks. Be warned: What you gain in security, you may lose in speed, as HTTPS can sometimes dramatically decrease your page loading time. Switch the feature on via your Account Settings page.

The site will also implement a new authorization feature. If suspicious activity is detected on your account, you’ll be prompted to verify your identity with a new “social authentication test.” (For example, if you log on from the U.S. in the morning and Australia in the afternoon, you’ll be marked officially “suspicious.”) Instead of entering the “I Yam What I Yam”-type captcha phrases, this test will present you with photos of your friends and asking to identify them, an interesting approach to personalized security.

(More on Techland: Five Tips For A Savvier Facebook Profile)

Like I mentioned Wednesday, it’s high time Facebook introduced increased security options to protect users, especially if it wants to retain its body of high-profile accounts. It’s no secret that the celebrity body has almost officially adopted Twitter as its social network of choice, and with hacks on Selena Gomez, Italy’s Silvio Berlusconi and even Zuckerberg himself, obviously, profile hacking is an issue.