Do you open the Google Chrome browser on your computer, your Android phone or tablet, or your iPhone and notice that there is no longer the little padlock that distinguishes HTTP sites from secure HTTPS sites? This is normal as Google has removed this distinction for security reasons!
Google has buried the famous padlock!
Many internet users may have noticed this, but when browsing with Chrome we can no longer find the small padlock icon to the left of the address bar.
The latter was used to distinguish websites using the HTTP protocol from the secure HTTPS protocol.
Why remove this distinction? For safety reasons!
Why do we no longer have a padlock in the search bar?
As ironic as it may sound, the Mountain View company has decided to remove the padlock icon in its Chrome browser to provide greater security to Internet users.
This symbol gave users a false sense of security.
In fact, a website using an HTTPS protocol does not necessarily mean that the website you are viewing is necessarily secure.
Essentially, the HTTPS protocol ensures that the information we transmit from our device to the website is secure.
This does not mean that the website is safe!
Since any website can get an HTTPS protocol for free, this means that fraudulent websites can also have one.
In such a case, the HTTPS protocol only ensures that the data we transmit to hackers is safe…
Google explains that 95% of websites now use the HTTPS protocol. The distinction with a padlock symbol is therefore no longer relevant.
How do you know a website is safe?
Google has therefore replaced the padlock icon in Chrome with a new icon to the left of the URLs.
Clicking on this new icon will provide you with information about the website you are visiting. Among other things, if it uses the well-known HTTPS protocol.
This is the icon that replaces the padlock in the Google Chrome browser. Photo credit: Google.
But again, you must remember that this does not mean that the website in question is safe!
Before making any online purchases, especially on sites you have concerns about, it’s worth using tools like Scamadidiviser or Fakespot. These help us identify elements that do not necessarily make a website secure.
Not to mention that we should always remember the 5 tips to make sure we buy from a safe online store, as well as the 10 tips and advice to avoid being deceived when buying online.