January 2013 Summaries

Firebase announced that, beginning February 4, all database traffic will be required to use SSL encryption. JavaScript clients will always use SSL regardless of the URL protocol, while non-HTTPS REST API endpoints and other unencrypted services will be disabled. Developers must update all Firebase database references to begin with https://, particularly applications using the REST API or Node.js client, which could otherwise stop functioning after the change. The policy is intended to encrypt data by default and reduce the risk of inadvertently exposing users’ private information.