2011/05/26

QuickOnlineTips Newsletter

Use Encrypted Google SSL Search for More Security, Privacy

Posted: 26 May 2011 09:34 AM PDT

Want a secure private search session? Use Encrypted Google search over SSL and you get a complete encrypted search link between your computer and Google. We all go to Google.com daily, but how many of us have tried Google SSL Search. Visit https://encrypted.google.com to try this Google search.

google ssl seach

However, remember that many other Google search products like Google Images and Google Maps are not currently available over SSL and will not work as desired.

Benefits of Encrypted SSL Google Search

SSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer, a protocol that encrypts search queries and search traffic, such that it can’t be read by third parties (like ISP’s), thereby providing secure Internet communications for web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging etc. SSL search typically does not send referrer information to any HTTP links you visit (but browser will still send referrer information to HTTPS links).

Remember SSL works only on on Google web search (not Google Images and Google Maps). You’ll continue to see integrated results like images and maps, but clicks will take you out of encrypted search mode. This will also not bypass Google logs for your search queries (as shown in your web history), nor will it prevent malware like installed keyloggers from letting third party catch your search queries.

Confirm Secure Connection

If you see the browser bar you will note the url begins with https (and not http). Also note a locked icon beside the url in all modern browsers which will display the encryption details of the site.

encrypted google info