Enabling Encryption on Gmail

Google has been criticised by a group of security experts for not routinely using encryption in it Gmail web mail product. While Gmail does not use HTTPS by default, it is possible to enable it. The procedure for enabling enable HTTPS is as follows:

1. Log into your Gmail account in the normal way and click on "Settings" at the top of the screen; this will display Gmail's settings.

2. Select the "General" tab (if it is not already selected) and scroll to the bottom of the screen. You are looking the "Browser Connection" options show in the picture below (click on the picture to see a larger version).



3. Select "Always use HTTPS" and then click "Save Changes". Your Gmail account will now use HTTPS for all communications, reducing the possibilities for "man in the middle" type attacks.

Our recommendation is always to use HTTPS although this is particularly important if you are planning on using insecure Internet connections such a public Wi-Fi or Internet cafes.