Facebook Require SSL Certificate from Oct 1, 2011

Facebook is planning to bring some changes for ensuring security. As per Facebook blog post, “All Apps on Facebook (Welcome page, fanpage, Canvas and Page Tabs) must support HTTPS (over http) by October 1.” At present, there is more than 9 million facebook users who have switched into secure browsing ( Account > Account Settings > Security > Secure Browsing ). It means that they will only see the website or fanpages that are using security certificate/https. Security certificate is also known as SSL (Secure Socket layer) Certificate

What is SSL Certificate?

SSL certification is basically a code that tells the user’s web browser that the data which is being accessed comes from a trustworthy source, and it will not harm the user in any manner. This adds an additional degree of trust in the eyes of the customer, and contributes to the process of building brand recognition with the assurance of security and safety. SSL ensures that the information passing through hundreds of global servers is not open for access for everyone. This prevents cyber attacks including hacking, identity theft and phishing. SSL encrypts information or data transmitted from the source (user). This encryption can only be read by the intended recipient. No one can view this information unless through unauthorised means.

Why facebook require this?

Facebook in trying its best to keep the users information secure and this is a step ahead in the security direction.

How many people will be affected after this change?

At present, there is more than 9 million facebook users have switched into secure browsing ( Account > Account Settings > Security > Secure Browsing ). When these users visit a page without SSL certificate, they’ll see a message – We can’t display this page while you’re viewing facebook over a secure connection.

It’s a general tendency to leave the page which comes with a security question. So even if your page is harmless, people tend to leave your page. Consequently, you will lose more than 9 million potential customers.

How you will be affected?

You need to change your page to comply with the Facebook SSL requirement or people will not be able to see your page.

If you’re a business owner, with a Facebook business page, you will need an SSL certificate if your FB page contains embedded content from your website. Any links on your website linking to Facebook will need to be updated to reflect the https:// vs. the http:// and vice versa if you do get an SSL Certificate.

How to handle this facebook change?

• Get an SSL certificate - http://www.znetindia.com/ssl-certificates
• Change all facebook URLs that you are using at your website to https instead of http

Facebook blog post for SSL – https://developers.facebook.com/blog/post/499/