Gmail beefs up security through warnings

In light of all the recent concerns regarding privacy, particularly the ongoing debacle between Apple and the United States Federal Government, Google is ramping up the defensive aspects of many of their services. The most recent of these to get an upgrade is Gmail, which now has improved in-email link protection.

The security enhancement take the form of a new warning system. Any users clicking on links that Google deems risky will be rerouted to a full-page warning that contains information about the kind of security danger the link may contain as well as a set of options that you can use to make yourself a bit safer.

There’s also another addition that’s inclusion is a little spooky. Not on Google’s account, but because such a safeguard needs to be put into place at all. Gmail now has safety protocols deliberately designed to protect users from government-sponsored hacking attempts. The company is quick to point out that the general public probably won’t get much use out of this feature as the state isn’t particularly interested in their work emails or forwarded cat pictures from Grandma, but the 0.1 percent of users who are activists, journalists, and politicians may find this new enhanced security useful if not essential.

It’s good to know that Google has our backs in this issue so far. By all appearances, the world’s most powerful information giant seems to be on the side of individual privacy and neutrality. Let’s hope that the company keeps abiding by their corporate motto, “Don’t be evil.”

What are your thoughts regarding Google and this latest security upgrade? Do you trust your privacy in the hands of the sultan of search? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!