How to Access Gmail Securely on a Public WiFi Network

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Public WiFi can be as dangerous as it can be useful. Unsecured connections make it possible for anyone armed with a packet sniffer to intercept email or track your surfing.

If you want to use Google Mail in a public WiFi, put your mind at ease with this handy tip:

If you go to the default google mail page - http://gmail.google.com you will be redirected to a secure site to log in, but will then be redirected to an unencrypted site for emailing. This makes you a potential risk for anyone who might be eavesdropping on the network.

The solution?

Simply type an ’s’ at the http ID like this: https://gmail.google.com (and bookmark the URL) and you will be encrypted with SSL throughout your entire email session.

Now you can Gmail all you want without having to worry about security!

[tags]gmail, wifi, security [/tags]

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    • 19 Responses to 'How to Access Gmail Securely on a Public WiFi Network'

    TrackBack to 'How to Access Gmail Securely on a Public WiFi Network'.

    1. Maria said,

      on January 10th, 2007 at 1:24 am

      Ah, it is so simple, sure nobody can see my emails on the open network? Now, I can check my emails at Starbucks! :)

    2. freelunch2020 said,

      on January 10th, 2007 at 2:23 am

      great tip. tks. :D found u at petalingstreet.org

    3. jumanjisama said,

      on January 10th, 2007 at 8:40 am

      A pretty neat trick, wish i could try it right away (unfortunately i don’t have a laptop)

    4. Wei Soon said,

      on January 10th, 2007 at 11:11 pm

      Does this work on the other mails too? eg Yahoo!, Hotmail…

    5. James Yeang said,

      on January 10th, 2007 at 11:26 pm

      Thanks Maria, freelunch and jumanjisama.

      Wei soon: Nope, it unfortunately doesn’t seem to work for both Yahoo and Hotmail

    6. didi said,

      on January 11th, 2007 at 10:25 pm

      But the site already encrypted with SSL 256bits….

    7. James Yeang said,

      on January 11th, 2007 at 11:19 pm

      Didi: By default: only at the login screen. All other traffic can be intercepted after that.

    8. Steve said,

      on January 13th, 2007 at 10:44 am

      Also works for the gmail chat feature, as discussed by yours truly on the 11th of November.
      http://stephenrmoore.blogspot.com/2006/11/google-chat.html

    9. A Non said,

      on January 16th, 2007 at 2:55 am

      I’m pretty sure this wont protect on WIFI. I think all form blocks on https SSL pages are readable are readable on WIFI. This includes bank pages, passwords, everything. I think only encrypted tunnels like VPN (Virtual Private Network) are the only thing that can protect WIFI. 2 free VPNS without complex setup are iPig (iopus.com) and HotspotShield (anchorfree.com). Search terms like “WIFI Security” to learn more. Even VPNs only protect certain types of traffic. Like some scramble page content, but not addresses, so if you went to http://www.myillness.com people could sniff wifi to tell that.

    10. James Yeang said,

      on January 16th, 2007 at 8:28 am

      Thanks Steve
      A Non: I did look it up…

      “As long as you are using SSL to talk to a web server, your conversation is private. It doesn’t matter whether someone can watch your wireless network. They won’t be able to make sense of what they are seeing, because it is encrypted.” -http://techdir.rutgers.edu/wireless.html

      Also see: http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/3625016

      But you’re right that VPN is definitely more secure. This just acts as an easy encryption method.

    11. Funky Penguin News » Blog Archive » Secure Gmail access on public networks said,

      on January 16th, 2007 at 3:02 pm

      [...] How to Access Gmail Securely on a Public WiFi Network [Friedbeef’s Tech] [...]

    12. [SMD] - 8L0G5PH3R3 » Archives » Secure Your Gmail On A Public Wifi said,

      on January 16th, 2007 at 10:13 pm

      [...] via FriedBeef Simply type an ’s’ at the http ID like this: https://gmail.google.com (and bookmark the URL) and you will be encrypted with SSL throughout your entire email session. [...]

    13. SimpleTechnology Daily Links 2007-01-16 - Simple Technology - News and how-tos for the digital lifestyle said,

      on January 17th, 2007 at 2:12 am

      [...] Friedbeef’s Tech: How to access Gmail securely on a public wifi network “Simply type an ’s’ at the http ID like this: https://gmail.google.com (and bookmark the URL) and you will be encrypted with SSL throughout your entire email session.” (via Lifehacker) [...]

    14. Kolz Blog » Blog Archive » Secure Gmail access on public networks said,

      on January 17th, 2007 at 2:23 pm

      [...] Secure Gmail access on public networks January 15th, 2007 by Lifehacker Tech blog Friedbeef’s Tech offers this simple tip on keeping hackers at bay when you access Gmail on a public network: Simply type an ’s’ in the http ID like this: https://gmail.google.com. You’ll be encrypted with SSL throughout your entire e-mail session. Okay, it’s a pretty obvious tip, but fess up: Would you have thought to do it? Now, if you want outright encryption for Gmail, Gina has the scoop right here. It’s also worth noting that the same method works for securing Gmail chat, as one of Friedbeef Tech’s commenters posted on his own blog. — Rick Broida How to Access Gmail Securely on a Public WiFi Network [Friedbeef's Tech] [...]

    15. Manuelidades » Archives » Como acceder en forma segura a Gmail said,

      on January 18th, 2007 at 3:03 am

      [...] Y a propósito de cosas útiles, este tip lo leí en el sitio Lifehacker. Un imperdible. “Don’t live to geek; geek to live”! [...]

    16. Labora Turcica said,

      on May 5th, 2007 at 2:53 pm

      Halka Açık WiFi AÄŸlar Ãœzerinden Güvenli Bir Åžekilde GMail’e Nasıl EriÅŸilir?

      Halka açık WiFi ağlar çok faydalı olduğu gibi çok tehlikeli de olabilir. Güvenlik altına alınmayan bağlantılar, bir paket dinleyicisine sahip sıradan birinin bile e-posta ve internet trafiğini yakalayabilmesini mümkün kılmakta.
      EÄŸer G…

    17. lokimikoj said,

      on September 22nd, 2007 at 4:12 am

      Hi

      Good site!

    18. Consejo para la disidencia interna y otros interesados en mantener la privacidad del correo said,

      on May 24th, 2008 at 1:39 am

      [...] - http://gmail.google.com Parece muy sencillo, ¿verdad? Bueno, pues casi nadie lo hace. Aquí y aquí los [...]

    19. Gmail: 57 effective tips | Salmonbones said,

      on August 21st, 2008 at 6:15 pm

      [...] get to when you’re using Gmail in a public place, the best Gmail users sign into Gmail using the https address rather than the regular http address. This helps ensure passwords and information stay private like [...]

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