Google announced today that it is extending its SSL offerings to Google search. Google has long provided SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) support for its Gmail and Google Docs products but this is the first time basic search has received SSL support.
Most users recognize SSL connections by the “https” distinction in the address or the “protected” flag that appears in your web browser. These types of protection encrypt and protect the information you transmit to those sites, meaning that the data you are sending out is protected from people or bots that may be monitoring traffic on your network.