Google Chrome has a strong track record when it comes to security and takes a number of measures to protect its users’ data. Google uses a combination of technologies, policies, and procedures to protect its users’ data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
That being said, it is important to remember that no system is completely secure, and it is always a good idea to take steps to protect your data. This can include using strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from the internet.
While Google takes many precautions to protect its users’ data, it is always a good idea to be proactive in protecting your data as well.
Starting in version 90, Google Chrome will block certain types of downloads from HTTP sites by default. These types of downloads include executables and files with the .deb extension unless the user explicitly allows the download to proceed.
Google Chrome will make it hard to download files from HTTP (unsecured) connections. The new code has been spotted in Chrome Gerrit suggests that the search giant is preparing to introduce a new security option to block “unsecured” downloads from HTTP sites. This builds on the existing switch to automatically switch your HTTPS connection. The security option is currently in development but is said to be rolling out to more testers when Chrome 111 launches in March, according to 9to5Google.
First, let’s see what is HTTP and HTTPS connections.
HTTP and HTTPS Protocols
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is an unsecured protocol because it does not encrypt the data that is transmitted between a client (such as a web browser) and a server (such as a website). This means that if someone were to intercept the data being transmitted over an HTTP connection, they could potentially read or modify the data and this is why HTTP connections are considered to be unsecured.
On the other hand, HTTPS (HTTP Secure) is a secured version of HTTP that encrypts the data being transmitted using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security). This makes it much more difficult for someone to intercept and read or modify the data being transmitted.
For this reason, it is generally recommended to use HTTPS whenever possible to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data being transmitted over the internet.
In Google Chrome, we know that unencrypted downloads and online forms are automatically blocked by google even if they are coming from HTTPS sites. This happens when you click on an HTTPS download link and are redirected to an insecure HTTP server. With an upcoming feature, Chrome will block all downloads from non-HTTPS sources.
We do not recommend downloading anything from an HTTP connection but, if you’re willing to take the risk to get the file you need, 9to5 notes that it’s still possible to bypass the block — making it just another kind of security warning instead of absolute protection against dangerous downloads.
In conclusion, this Chrome 111 protection tool probably comes in later this year and it is not expected to hit production until march. It will be one of the Chrome Features that will be hidden and you need to search in the Chrome Flag to discover it for yourself.
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