Free Software Linux

You already know that Phishers employ various methods to phish your critical data and there are certain ways to protect your data, and one of the ways to protect yourself is by employing the secure connection techniques like HTTPs and checking for that small lock icon in your browser.

When you use HTTPs, the data transmitted by the browser is encrypted using SSL and is not transferred as plain text as it happens in case of an HTTP transfer.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private and integral. SSL is an industry standard and is used by millions of websites in the protection of their online transactions with their customers.

In the case of Gmail, when you open the login page, the URL is HTTPS or SSL enabled. However, once the login is completed, the URL changes back to normal HTTP mode. This means, that all the mail traffic that you exchange post login between your browser and Gmail, goes as plain text over the wire. This in turn means that anybody sniffing the wire can get hold of your critical data.

But, there is a way out. The hack is pretty simple. Once the login to Gmail is completed and you get the display of your Inbox,

change the URL from http://…… to https://…. and hit Enter.

For example, if the URL displayed on your address bar of the browser post login is http://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox

Change this to https://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox and hit enter.

If doing this everytime, sounds like a pain, try using this script instead.

While surfing the net, be safe and play safe. I would suggest that you Follow the safe steps to a healthy PC and Stay Safe on the net.

Also read: [How-To]Bypassing Passwords in Windows

[How-To] Use Gmail to Remote Control your PC

Some more Gmail Hacks

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Cheers

Vaibhav