Google Beefs Up Gmail Security

Do you regularly use a Gmail account? So do I. And for the most part I’ve been really happy with the Google service. I think it’s intuitive and I can’t complain that it doesn’t do what I need it to when I need it to. And with recent reports that Google is doing all they can to keep the information contained in your emails secure from prying eyes, what’s not to like about it?

In case you haven’t heard yet, Google recently published a blog post stating that they were increasing the security features on every email sent or read from a Gmail account. Why now? Because of Edward Snowden and his NSA revelations, of course. Who wants people reading their emails without permission?

What’s Going To Be Different About It?

Here’s a direct quote from Google’s official blog explaining the change(s):

“Starting today, (3/20/14) Gmail will always use an encrypted HTTPS connection when you check or send email. Gmail hassupported HTTPS since the day it launched, and in 2010 we made HTTPS the default. 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.

In addition, every single email message you send or receive—100 percent of them—is encrypted while moving internally. This ensures that your messages are safe not only when they move between you and Gmail’s servers, but also as they move between Google’s data centers—something we made a top priority after last summer’s revelations.”

“Last summer’s revelations” obviously refer back to Snowden and the media leaks regarding NSA spying. Hopefully this will be a big enough change to keep prying eyes away from private emails. I for one am completely on board with this policy. What do you think? Do you think Google should’ve reacted much sooner? If nothing else, I guess we can all rest a little easier knowing Gmail is taking extra steps to protect our privacy. Hopefully others will follow suit.

[Image via veooz]

SOURCE: http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/20/gmail-https-nsa-snooping/