Google Chrome, a cross-platform web browser, is reportedly working on a new development that will protect users from insecure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) downloads.
With the most secure websites now using HTTPS encryption, Chrome is planning to block all HTTP downloads, encouraging safe and secure browsing.
Currently, the browser has a couple of security features including mixed elements and an “Always use secure connections” toggle in security settings. The browser also flags a “Not Secure” warning for older sites that are only HTTP-encrypted in the address bar.
According to the reports, a recent code change for Google Chrome has been spotted with a feature that will warn users of insecure downloads from sited using HTTP. The feature is currently under development and there is no word from the tech giant on the same.
The feature will flag a warning to users to use a secure HTTPS connection. It will block downloads from an insecure website with HTTP encryption.
The report explained that the browser will block the download as unsafe even if the website with HTTPS encryption redirects the user to an insecure HTTP server for download, which eventually takes the user to another secure HTTPS connection.
As per the reports, if the website is available only through HTTP encryption, then Chrome will block downloads from the site as well. However, users will be reportedly able to bypass the block. The report says that the feature will issue a loud warning rather than truly blocking users from unsafe downloads.
