Identity Theft News

Google urged to adopt default data encryption for Gmail

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A letter to Google CEO Eric Schmidt last week signed by 37 web security experts urged the company to enable encryption by default for the users of Gmail, Google Docs and Google Calendar.

Google already uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) encryption technology to protect customers' login information, which is available as an option for users of Google's webmail and other cloud-based services.

However, encryption is not enabled by default to protect data sent by users of Google Mail, Docs or Calendar. As a result, the security experts said, Google customers who use a public connection such as open wireless networks "face a very real risk of data theft and snooping."

Alma Whitten, from Google's security and privacy teams, responded on the Google public policy blog that the company is planning a trial in which it will move small samples of different types of Gmail users to HTTPS "to see what their experience is and whether it affects the performance of their email."

The group Consumer Watchdog said Google should be praised for agreeing to offer improved security but asked why the company waited so long to act.

The group is calling on other online companies like Yahoo, Microsoft, Facebook and MySpace to offer the same protection.
ADNFCR-1765-ID-19236271-ADNFCR

Related News:

Threat of identity theft shows need for online security - 11.19.2009
As Americans live increasingly large portions of their lives on the internet, the possibilities and incentives for remote identity theft increase as well. A report in the New York Times advises caution, and gives tips for constructing an "online bulwark" to prevent theft and fraud.

Wi-Fi network security vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks on smart phones - 11.16.2009
Researchers last week revealed a weakness in mobile network security that could allow for so-called "man-in-the-middle" techniques to steal personal information from users of certain types of mobile phones.

FDIC warns banks of money transfer 'mules' duped by cybercriminals - 11.2.2009
In a new warning to banks about illicit electronic fund transfers, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) said last week that online bank account theft is rising using "money mules," unwitting job-seekers who are duped by cyber crooks into wiring funds from hacked bank accounts.

Obama addresses cybersecurity awareness in YouTube video - 10.21.2009
Online cyber attacks and identity theft have never been higher, a threat environment that challenges U.S. security every day. President Obama has designated October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which he addressed in a web video last week.

Facebook application security hole exposes millions to hacking, researcher says - 10.19.2009
A security researcher is warning Facebook users about potential vulnerabilities in Facebook applications that could allow cross-site scripting (XSS) hacker attacks for hijacking user accounts.
View Related Resources
Or
Watch an Online Demo
Or
Have us call you now