LinkedIn is now gradually rolling out secure browsing for its social-networking-for-suits service.

The company confirmed in a blog post yesterday that the site will encrypt web traffic over SSL. However, unlike Google, which uses HTTPS by default on its stuff, LinkedIn is offering it as an option for its users.

Facebook and Twitter similarly prefer not to switch SSL on by default.

"We are happy to announce LinkedIn now supports https for your browsing experience," said the company's Arvind Mani.

"This is currently an 'opt in' feature that will be rolled out gradually in the next coming weeks to all of our members. Serving our site over https is a key step to enhance the security for all of you, especially for those of you using public networks such as open Wi-Fi hotspots." ®