Gmail: Red Castle - what is it?

Google is introducing a new security feature on the occasion of Safer Internet Day: A red lock has appeared next to sender or recipient addresses for many Gmail users. We'll explain what it's all about.

Red lock at Gmail

Note: As part of the Safer Internet Day, Google has integrated a red question mark as a symbol in Gmail in addition to the red lock. You will find all the information in another practical tip.

• With the red, open lock in the sender or recipient line, Gmail indicates that the mail that you have received or want to send is sent via an unencrypted line.
• Google in turn encrypts all emails using the TSL encryption technology. This does not necessarily mean that the sender's or recipient's mail provider does the same.
• With the red lock, Google warns of such recipients or senders. Mails that are sent unencrypted are easy prey for hackers and easy to decrypt.

Open red lock at Gmail - what to do?

• If the open lock symbol appears in an email from someone else, you should be skeptical. Do not send sensitive data to the address.
• You should also not send sensitive data to friends who use a mail provider with an insecure connection. It is best to even point out to friends and acquaintances that your provider does not use TSL. A change of provider could then make sense. Google primarily introduced the function to motivate other mail providers to use more security mechanisms.