I wanted to talk about [boring technical website stuff]. It’s not hugely important, but it’s worth a mention.

Some time next year, web browser makers (Mozilla Foundation and Google) are going to make a huge change to the way their browsers warn you about security of websites. In short they are going to warn you every time you visit a site if it doesn’t use SSL (Secure Socket Layer) to send data back and forth to your web browser (it’s probably going to be super annoying for a while!). They are doing this to push publishers of websites (like me) to implement SSL and to make your browsing experience a little more private.

SSL (look for the HTTPS prefix in the address of this site and the padlock symbol to know it’s working) encrypts all data that is transferred between my server and your browser. People (like our governments) who care to snoop on our web browsing habits will still be able to see what URL’s you are visiting, but they won’t be able to see exactly what you are reading, or the contents of comment post you may post or similar (not unless they come and browse my website at least).

Any way, when I heard about this upcoming change I contacted my web host and have fully implemented SSL security on my website. So you can rest assured that when you browse my site that no-one is intercepting or modifying the content that gets sent to you. It’s just one more small thing to help protect your privacy.

John.