'Not secure'

[LMcD]

While I have no intention of posting any confidential information on the Forum, I notice that it is now regularly flagged up as 'Not Secure' in my browser bar - is that what the thing at the top is called? I'm getting the same message at the website of our local newspaper, but not, for example, from the BBC News website.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

While I have no intention of posting any confidential information on the Forum, I notice that it is now regularly flagged up as 'Not Secure' in my browser bar - is that what the thing at the top is called? I'm getting the same message at the website of our local newspaper, but not, for example, from the BBC News website.

Yes, so am I - until recently, it had said something to the effect of "Unknown". There's been mention of this previously on the Forum - I think the essential point that arose in that discussion was not to divulge sensitive information on such sites (which would never be necessary on this Forum, anyway) it is perfectly safe to view and engage with them. The sites to beware of are those which flag up "Dangerous" in the Browser Bar.

[DracoM]

While I have no intention of posting any confidential information on the Forum, I notice that it is now regularly flagged up as 'Not Secure' in my browser bar - is that what the thing at the top is called? I'm getting the same message at the website of our local newspaper, but not, for example, from the BBC News website.

Yes, noticed that. Bit surprising.

[Bryn]

If accessing the site via Firefox you will see an "i" in a circle to the left of the URL in the browser bar. Click on that and it will lead you to further information. I think the main point is that this is an http site, rather than https. Just refrain from revealing information you would rather remain secure, and be sure to use a unique password for the site.

[LMcD]

Thank you! I use google chrome and have clicked on the 'information' icon. I was merely advised not to post sensitive information, which I wouldn't do anyway.

[Bryn]

. . . I use google chrome and have clicked on the 'information' icon. I was merely advised not to post sensitive information, which I wouldn't do anyway.

Just checked with Opera. It offers similar advice. Edge was, in comparison, totally blassé. Not a hint of warning. Not a browser I would normally go near, and this adds another good reason.

[Old Grumpy]

Is an Https site secure.? Up until now I have been under the impression that using my private home WP2 WiFi (password protected) to an hppts URL is secure. Recently I have been bombarded with messages from my computer antivirus etc. to the effect that I am not secure and need a VPN - at additional cost obviously!

OG

[Bryn]

Is an Https site secure.? Up until now I have been under the impression that using my private home WP2 WiFi (password protected) to an hppts URL is secure. Recently I have been bombarded with messages from my computer antivirus etc. to the effect that I am not secure and need a VPN - at additional cost obviously!

OG

This is a real can of worms. HTTPS offers encrypted communication of data between sender and user but is not absolutely secure. There again, not all that is called VPN is necessarily that secure either. Take the Opera browser, for instance. That claims to offer a free VPN facility but on closer examination it's not a full VPN but what they term as browser VPN. They do say they are working on upgrading it though. See https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2016...ser-vpn-proxy/ for details.

[french frank]

While I have no intention of posting any confidential information on the Forum, I notice that it is now regularly flagged up as 'Not Secure' in my browser bar - is that what the thing at the top is called? I'm getting the same message at the website of our local newspaper, but not, for example, from the BBC News website.

Bryn is right: Firefox says: "Your information to this site is not private. Information you submit could be viewed by others (like passwords, messages, credit cards etc)." I'm not sure how your password could be 'viewed by others'). It is encrypted so that even if administrators are viewing other details, they can't see passwords. They would need to overwrite your password in order to view messages and would be unable to reinstate your own password. Your email address is viewable, but its privacy is guarded by the, er … GDPR, as well as UK Data Protection.

[LMcD]

That's more or less what Google Chrome says, adding a reference to 'attackers'.

[OldTechie]

It is not the forum that has changed, it is the latest version of Chrome see https://blog.google/products/chrome/...tp-not-secure/

[LMcD]

Very informative - thank you!

[Anastasius]

Does anyone know of a way to kick 'Nanny' Chrome into touch as I find on my Android tablet that quite a few sites (that are https) are blocked by Chrome for reasons unknown. Checking out the sites shows that they have not been hacked.