Google today announced that it has enhanced encryption for its Gmail email service by ensuring that all Gmail messages go through an encrypted HTTPS connection. This means more encryption and security for Gmail users so that our messages are safe from prying eyes.
Gmail to get serious with encryption
Starting from today, Gmail will now only use an “encrypted HTTPS connection” whenever you open Gmail or send messages. Gmail has supported HTTPS from day one, and in 2010, the company made HTTPS the default. With new changes starting from today, Gmail will ensure that your emails are safe as they go back and forth between you and Gmail’s servers. This means that you’ll always be protected regardless of what network you’re on, such as a public WiFi or whether you’ve logged in from your mobile, computer or tablet.
Another important point is that every email you send or receive will also be encrypted while moving inside Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s datacenter network. When your email is being sent or received from one Gmail server to another, encryption will still happen and you’ll stay protected. Previously, messages between data centers were not encrypted and that’s why the NSA was successful in hacking into Google’s data center, but thankfully, not anymore. The company has made this a “top priority after last summer’s revelations.” Well Google, better late than never.
These security measures without a doubt are very important for any email service provider, and it’s good that a company like Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is taking steps to ensure that personal data remains personal. After the revelation about the NSA spying on user data by Edward Snowden, many companies have started to use encryption by default.
However, does this mean that the government can’t keep an eye on our emails from now on? Well, no one’s promising you that.
