Nextgov

Coincidence? Maybe, but just a day after Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg's account was reportedly hacked, the company unveiled new security measures that will allow users to use Facebook over a secured connection and prevent more remote breaches.

Usually reserved for times when a user inputs a password or credit card information online, HTTPS secured connections will now be available for the entire time a user is on Facebook, according to a company blog posted Wednesday.

"Facebook currently uses HTTPS whenever your password is sent to us, but today we're expanding its usage in order to help keep your data even more secure," wrote Facebook security engineer Alex Rice. "Starting today we'll provide you with the ability to experience Facebook entirely over HTTPS."

The company suggests users enable the feature if they frequently use public Internet networks. The option is available as part of the "account security" section of the "account settings" page.

Another security feature unveiled Wednesday is "social authentication," which will be activated if Facebook spots suspicious activity on a user's page. If such activity is detected, the user may be prompted to identify someone in one of his or her photos.

"Hackers halfway across the world might know your password, but they don't know who your friends are," Rice said.

A hacker apparently left a message under Zuckerberg's name Tuesday, calling for the company to become a "social business."

Facebook did not comment on the hacked account and no mention of it was made in Wednesday's blog post. Instead, the company said it unveiled the measures to coincide with Friday's Data Privacy Day.