Gmail has been encrypting emails by default since 2010, but as a result of the NSA revelations, Google is now forcing all emails to go through an encrypted HTTPS connection. The main change coming to Gmail is that it will now encrypt messages no matter where they move, including when they are being transferred between data centers.
Grabbing messages as they are moving between servers has been a common way for the National Security Agency (NSA) to spy on people. Now that emails are protected before they even go out to their intended recipients, the service is more secure.
Today’s change means that no one can listen in on your messages as they go back and forth between you and Gmail’s servers — no matter if you’re using public WiFi or logging in from your computer, phone or tablet, – Nicolas Lidzborski, Google
There are many things that Google has been doing since 2013 to enhance the security of its services, and encryption has been a popular way for it to fight back against government spying. Recently, it was announced that searches on Google would also be encrypted.
As you go about your day reading, writing, and checking messages, there are tons of security measures running behind the scenes to keep your email safe, secure, and there whenever you need it. – Nicolas Lidzborski
As helpful as Google has become in regards to protecting users and their privacy, some of the earliest NSA revelations showed that tech companies were well aware of the NSA’s spying. So, the majority of these changes are more of a PR campaign to boost Google’s image rather than a way to truly protect people.
One of the things that has become obvious since Snowden first worked with journalists to release secret NSA documents is that the government spy agency has many unique ways to collect information. Therefore, the latest expansion of Gmail encryption is probably not enough to truly protect user privacy.
Question – Do you think Gmail is actually secure now because of the extra layer of protection?
Summary: Google is now encrypting all emails sent and received on Gmail. All messages will have to be sent over an HTTPS connection and they will also be encrypted when travelling between data centers.
image credit: occupy