Twitter has introduced the option for users to log on to the site via a secure connection. Users who select the “always use HTTPS” under Twitter’s security setting will now see the padlock icon associated with HTTPS security in the address bar of their Web browser. This move follows a recent decision by Facebook in a bid to prevent hackers who target users on public wi-fi zones. Usually, unsecured wireless connections such as those found in airports and coffee shops, are prone to different types of hacking such as snooping and “man-in-the-middle” attacks whereby hackers can intercept the data stream so as to monitor all Web traffic that passes through it.
While switching to Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) on Twitter is optional, it can be described as the right step in the right direction. The HTTPS technology creates a secure channel within an Internet network connection by confirming a Website’s authenticity within specific approved certificate authorities. Twitter users that choose to enable HTTPS on their profile should note, however, that while they can be assured of better security, using the technology can also slow down access to their accounts due to the number of processes involved in data authentication.
Talking Point
Would you enable HTTPS on your Twitter account profile?
