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Thread: Gmail shows as unencrypted. What implications does this have?

  1. #1
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    Gmail shows as unencrypted. What implications does this have?

    Having recently started doing more of my email through Gmail, I've noticed that Firefox pops up with warnings stating that the transmissions are not security encrypted. I have to click OK to accept that I acknowledge the transmission may be read by others.
    What is up with that?

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by Utarded
    Having recently started doing more of my email through Gmail, I've noticed that Firefox pops up with warnings stating that the transmissions are not security encrypted. I have to click OK to accept that I acknowledge the transmission may be read by others.
    What is up with that?
    Encryption of web pages is done with a protocal known as SSL (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Sockets_Layer) , and web addresses using this protocal start with HTTPS (for wxample if you if you look at the URL when you're doing online banking, you should see https://bankofpakistan.com). SSL is just a just a way for your web browser and the website to communicate using an accepted encryption algorithem. Not using ssl on the web means that someone could possibly intercept and read your email messages when you're using gmail, however this really isn't a big deal because email isn't a secure way to send info unless you take additional steps to encrypt it. So anytime you send someone an email message (via outlook,hotmail, gmail, etc) that leaves your 'network' and goes out into the big wide web, it could be intercepted and read anyways.
    Last edited by sfotex; 08-08-2006 at 09:03 PM.
    When life gives you haters, make haterade.

  3. #3
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    If you're really worried about it, just type https://gmail.com rather than just http://gmail.com. That will get rid of those messages.

  4. #4
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    You can also get a firefox extension called 'CustomiseGoogle' which has an option to use secure connection

  5. #5
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    Just check the box that says "Don't display this message again" and continue on. It's a standard warning that FF (and IE, for that matter) have to remind new users not to be stupid.
    Quote Originally Posted by StuntCok View Post
    Splat did tell me he liked his pussy like he liked his ski boots. I guess he meant dank, stinky and a bit packed out.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pierre LeCouloir
    If you're really worried about it, just type https://gmail.com rather than just http://gmail.com. That will get rid of those messages.
    Just remember that your email still gets sent from the google email server to your mistress, drug dealer, offshore banker, etc. in an unsecured, unencrypted format even when you're using the https url...
    When life gives you haters, make haterade.

  7. #7
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    Via any number of intermediaries, too. If you're worried about the security of your email, look in to a package such as PGP and certificates.

    edg
    Do you realize that you've just posted an admission of ignorance so breathtaking that it disqualifies you from commenting on any political or economic threads from here on out?

  8. #8
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    Thank you, gents. I'll follow the recommendations given.

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