Gmail Notifies Users Of Unencrypted Messages

Google Gmail users will now warn if they receive unencrypted messages, as the Internet giant has on Safer Internet Day 2016 announced . Google itself uses TLS encryption for encrypting messages. Gmail users can send encrypted messages to each other in this way. TLS is not yet used by all email providers.

This allows messages that Gmail users received via this e-mail providers, or send to this, be read. Gmail will therefore present a warning showing that the email provider of the addressee no encryption support, or if a message is received that is not encrypted via TLS. There will also be a warning if the sender's domain could not be authenticated. Gmail recently did not know that more and more support major email providers tls and domain authentication.

From investigation of Google, the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois show that from December 2013 to October 2015 the number of encrypted emails rose Gmail non-Gmail users received from 33% to 61%. In the same period, the number of emails were encrypted using TLS and Gmail to non-Gmail users was sent from 60% to 80%. Further uses 94% of the incoming email for Gmail, a form of authentication to protect against phishing and spoofing.

John Rae-Grant Google argues that not all e-mails which warned is dangerous. "But we advise you to be extra careful when answering or opening links in messages that you have doubts about. And by this update, you have the resources to make that decision."

Tor Launches Chat Program Secure Chat

The creators of the Tor network have launched software that allows users of many different chat programs or channels through one simple encrypted chat program. Tor Messenger as the chat program is called, sends messages over the Tor network.

It thereby supports different transport networks like Jabber (XMPP), IRC, Google Talk, Facebook Chat, Twitter, Yahoo, and other networks. In addition, Off-the-Record (OTR) Messaging by default. This makes the messages are encrypted and users can check that the person with whom they chat actually the person he or she claims to be. Furthermore OTR also adds perfect forward secrecy, and "deniability" so that it can be denied that the user has sent an IM message.

Tor Messenger or uses existing networks so that users with existing contacts and without much adaptation can continue chatting. This approach means that metadata can be stored by the server of the chat network. However, the route to the server is hidden, as it runs over the Tor network. The version launched today is a test version and is available for Linux, Mac and Windows.

Google Invests In Encrypted Messaging Platform Symphony

Google has invested in Symphony, a cloud-based encrypted message platform last year by Goldman Sachs and 14 other banks was established. Symphony to change the way users communicate effectively and safely within a single application.

In August Symphony was in the news as a US senator was concerned about the message platform. Through the tool enables banks to communicate encrypted and extracting himself as to compliance and enforcement, said Sen. ElizabethWarren. According to Warren Symphony has defined itself as a system that "government spying" occurs and contains no backdoors. This ultimately can ensure that important information is more difficult for regulators to approach, making illegal behavior can not be detected and prevented, warned the senator.

During a new round of investment, the company that would have more than 40,000 users in 100 countries, more than 100 million dollars raised. The money is different from Google, so Symphony, via a blog post announced. With the money the company wants to increase its market share so it can eventually become the standard for business communications.

Signal 2.0 Introduces Encrypted Chat On iOS

There is a new version of the Signal for iOS app appeared, which lets users both with other users and Signal Text Secure users can chat encrypted on Android. Through the app, users could already encrypted with each call . Signal was developed by Open Whisper Systems, which previously Text Secure and RedPhone developed for Android. The developers do not charge for their apps and let them see no ads. The development of the apps is fully funded by donations and grants.

The Signal app uses the existing telephone number and address book. According to the developer, users therefore no separate logins, usernames, passwords or PINs to remember or they run the risk of losing it. They also emphasize that both the developers themselves as others can not overhear the conversations or messages. "Everything in Signal is always encrypted end-to-end, and carefully designed to protect your communication." For additional openness Open Whisper Systems has the source code of the app made ​​available so that experts can verify the protocols and cryptography.