Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a protocol that helps provide secure data transfers over the Internet, whether for web browsing, instant messaging, email, or other methods of communication. By performing web searches using SSL, any third-party that might have access to your network (like your internet service provider) can’t easily see your search queries. SSL is a good tool for helping you secure at least a little bit of privacy on the Web. However, keep in mind that nothing you do on the Internet is completely private, unless you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

To use SSL for Google searches, simply add an “s” to the end of “http” in the address bar (e.g., https://google.com). Depending on which Web browser you use, you should see a padlock or other icon indicating that your connection is encrypted. Searching using SSL also hides your search keywords in the referral header from the sites you find through Google. The referral header will still indicate you’re coming from Google, but it won’t let them know what terms you used in the search.

Please visit the CMIT Blog for instructions on how to enable secure searching in your browser’s query box.