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To help stem both the practical and public relation problems caused by its perceived security flaws, Facebook announced its latest update allowing users website access via HTTPS (HTTP Secure) connections.
HTTPS combines the HTTP and SSL protocols, allowing for encrypted communication between your device and a server. Without such a connection, exposure to attack is much easier; case in point, if one uses a normal, public Wi-Fi to access the website using only HTTP protocol then he/she is susceptible to the Firefox plugin Firesheep, which can access your data over the same connection.
The new feature will be available in the Account Settings section, under Account Security. Facebook is still in the process of implementing this system update, so if not seen immediately on your account it will be available over the next few weeks.
While HTTPS protection has been available for a little while now via Firefox’s plugin HTTPS Everywhere for example, the secure connection does hamper certain Facebook functions such as video chat and can slow down the overall user experience.
However, the company is working hard to better integrate the new protocol into its overall system but be aware that in return for a more secure connection, a certain slow down in page loading, third party applications, and other functions is a byproduct.
LivingSocial/Amazon Partnership Challenging Groupon’s Market Share
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Last week, daily deal service website LivingSocial.com experienced an incredible 80% spike in traffic, allowing it to close the gap on its main competitor Groupon. The main reason behind this overnight change: Amazon.
Seeking to head off a potential Google-Groupon partnership that would seriously threaten its online shopping position, Amazon strategically injected Groupon’s competition with a $175 million dollar investment. More about What Is Flic
Furthermore, last week LivingSocial offered up an unprecedented 50% off of Amazon products, which led to more than 1 million Amazon vouchers being sold. With a deal as sweet as 50% off everything at Amazon, it makes sense that traffic spiked so dramatically. However one can predict that now the ploy has ended those numbers will take a bit of a tumble.
Nevertheless, the strategy worked in not only providing a boost in LivingSocial’s public awareness but also garnering new signups, providing a further push in its overall growth. The timing of Amazon’s and LivingSocial’s gambit could not have been more pertinent, given that Google is continuing work on its own group-buying service, Google Offers, as well as Facebook developing a group-buying function of its own.
To ensure their own survival and market share, Amazon and LivingSocial have embraced the old adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”.