Google introduced its e-mail service in April 2004, by the name of Gmail. Since its launch, Gmail has fast progressed to the status of one of the most preferred e-mail service providers by internet users. Gmail services have been availed by both domestic and commercial entities. With the ever increasing popularity of Gmail and other Google services, there have also been numerous critics, questioning Gmail’s privacy policy.
Recently, about 38 top scientists and security experts, among other professionals strongly urged Google to revise its security parameters and take concrete steps to strengthen Gmail security along with other services such as Google Calendar and Google Docs. These professionals have been greatly concerned about the ‘snooping’ of their accounts, especially by hackers and other internet wrong-doers.
One of their primary requests is for Google to implement HTTPS status in place of the more frequently used HTTP. The ‘Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure’ or HTTPS is currently being used by banks and other organizations who need to keep their client information secure. HTTPS offers the security of data, more importantly, when it’s in transit, i.e. when the data (login details and other secure credentials) is being transferred over the air. Even though Google does provide HTTPS in Gmail, still it’ is not the default service for Gmail users. On to top it, only the more informed users are aware of this security measure, thereby making this security feature a largely unknown critical security measure.
In an appeal sent to Eric Schmidt by this extremely concerned group of professionals, they stated;
“Google customers who compose e-mail, documents, spreadsheets, presentations and calendar plans from a public connection face a very real risk of data theft and snooping, even by unsophisticated attackers. Tools to steal information are widely available on the Internet.”
In response to this petition, Google was fairly quick to release a response stating that it was considering the option laid down by the group and it would act effectively and give closure to this situation. However, Google took this opportunity to slam its rivals, who do not usually provide the security of HTTPS.
Regardless of the boardroom battles, with this urge from some of the most prominent professionals for more security in Gmail and other Google services, I sincerely believe that Google will act on it swiftly and decisively.
Via New York Times
