Sunday Times 2
Google gives Gmail a major security boost
Google has given its Gmail service a major security overhaul in a bid to stop spy agencies snooping on users – even boosting security on its own networks.
‘Every single email message you send or receive – 100 percent of them -is encrypted while moving internally,’ the firm said.
‘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.’
Google refused to name the NSA in its announcement - but admitted the changes had been made 'after last summer¿s revelations'.The changes were made in light of revelations from Edward Snowden (Reuters)
The firm said it made the changes ‘a top priority after last summer’s revelations’ – but refused to name the NSA in its announcement.
Gmail now always uses an encrypted HTTPS connection when you check or send email.
Although Gmail has offered HTTPS support since the day it launched, and Google turned the feature on by default back in January 2010, today’s change goes a step further: it can’t be turned off.
Google promises that now ‘no one can listen in on your messages as they go back and forth between you and Gmail’s servers.’
The company originally denied the US government had access to its servers, but as more and more details leaked, it became clear the NSA had multiple initiatives to collect user data from Google and other technology firms via various means.
‘Your email is important to you, and making sure it stays safe and always available is important to us,’ sad Google.
‘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.’
‘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.
© Daily Mail, London
| Google Chromecast: A new way to watch TV
PARIS (AFP) – Gone are the days of squinting at your smartphone as you try to make out what is happening in your favourite film. Google launched its latest innovation — Chromecast — a small device the size of a finger which allows you to transfer online video content from a mobile device onto an HD television. Google is also now opening up the platform to developers, with 3,000 already signed up to create content.  The device looks like a flash drive,only slightly bigger (reuters) The Chromecast device plugs into a television through an HDMI port, then communicates with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop over the wifi network. Click the small icon, and you can send videos from your mobile device to your television, or use your smartphone as a remote control. It is also proud of the way Chromecast allows users to “multitask” — it is possible to send mails and use other applications while watching television. According to rumours, online shopping giant Amazon will also release its own television-smartphone interface next month. Pascal Lechevallier, the founder of What’s Hot, a consultancy which specialises in new media, said the device was a great way for multi-channel networks on YouTube to be watched on the home’s main television. “History is changing, and the video offering online is going to become even larger,” he predicted, stressing the importance, in time, for Google to capitalise on video ads as they are screened on television. |