Half the Web Is Now Encrypted. That Makes Everyone Safer

Tags: 2010s HTTPS

Authors: Finley, Klint

Published: January 2017

URL: https://www.wired.com/2017/01/half-web-now-encrypted-makes-everyone-safer/

Abstract: In January of 2017, Klint Finley of Wired Magazine, a significant milestone in computer security news—the average volume of encrypted internet traffic “finally” surpassing the average volume of unencrypted traffic. The achievement, Finley noted, “means when you visit a website, you’re now more likely than not to see a little green lock right next to its address…indicat[ing] that the page you’ve visited came to you via HTTPS, the web’s secure protocol.” Finley acknowledged that while the milestone was significant, “there’s still another 50 percent to go.” Finley featured a few quotes from leaders in the privacy space, including then-policy manager at Access Now, Amie Stepanovich’s warning that “There’s a risk that people will think they’re more protected than they actually are,” but noted that, despite the limitations of HTTPS, it’s “better than leaving the web unencrypted.”