Cybersecurity has a labyrinth of layers, all critical to protecting important data. One of those layers starts at the browser level, and Chrome has stepped up its game with its powerful version 68 update.
Chrome 68 isn’t just another “tuner” update. It introduced a new feature that targets and flags websites based on their use of HTTPS, or lack thereof. This is important because HTTPS is a form of secure encryption. The data sent in Chrome from websites using HTTPS is protected and safe from malicious entities. And guess what, it’s free!
How does this protect you and your business, then?
Simply put, it allows you to reduce risk by avoiding websites and entry fields lacking HTTPS encryption.
In a traditional scenario, say your company utilizes a mobile devices solution for its workforce. Or, for convenience, you have a BYOD (bring your own device) policy. Each person’s smartphone, tablet, and/or laptop has programs and applications not related to company software. That means if they use logins on those devices – on websites not encrypted – this information could potentially leak.
Why is that a problem for your company?
If they happen to use similar logins for work and their visited websites, it means third parties can gain access to this. Or, crucial company data is constantly at risk since there’s no encryption.
Chrome 68 offers a solution with its encryption. Let’s say our hypothetical company implements a policy that all work activity must be conducted through Chrome. Then, web security can block access to regular HTTP sites while employees are on the clock. With some basic policy tweaking and software usage, your business just overhauled its network security with no additional cost.
As an individual, you can easily see why the benefits also extend to you. Have you wondered why you get so much junk email from website mailing lists you don’t recognize, or how an account somewhere was compromised? It’s likely because a website you used wasn’t encrypted.
Not all websites have the same security. So when you subscribed to a small website related to one of your hobbies, you didn’t know the website itself had weak protection. The email and login you used, then, was likely hijacked – along with thousands of others – by third parties who pass it along for their own use.
Chrome 68 flags these kinds of websites. Additionally, it can fine-tune web results to filter out the kind of websites which lack HTTPS encryption, so you don’t end up using them unintentionally. By proxy, you’ll find information is easier to safeguard, simply by using a Google Chrome browser.
It’s a good step forward and an important piece of the cybersecurity net. Google has not yet announced any new major revisions beyond encryption, but the search giant may bring additional measures to keep your data safe.
