7.23 https. Generally, secure websites use encryption and authentication standards to protect the confidentiality of web transactions. The most commonly used protocol for web security has been TLS, or Transport Layer Security. This technology is still commonly referred to as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). According to Symantec Corporation, “HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) appears in the URL when a website is secured by an SSL certificate.”

a. Do you believe that https websites provide true confidentially? Do you think it is possible to guarantee the confidentiality of data on any website? Explain your reasoning.

b. As of July 2018, Google’s Chrome browser began showing “http” websites as “Not secure.” (“https” websites do not carry this warning.) In what ways do you think this move by Google is ethical? Unethical? Explain your reasoning.