When you see “?gws_rd=ssl” at the end of a Google URL, it’s common to feel concerned about it. You’re not alone in wondering about unfamiliar URLs that you encounter. This type of suffix can raise questions about the safety of visiting a particular site or the potential security risks involved.
However, don’t worry. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about “?gws_rd=ssl.” You’ll learn what it is, how it works, why Google includes this string at the end of URLs, and whether it should be a cause for concern. So, sit tight and read on to learn more.
What are Protocol, HTTPS, and SSL, and their involvement “?gws_rd=ssl”
To fully comprehend what “?gws_rd=ssl” is and why Google includes it in URLs, it’s essential to have an understanding of some key terms, including protocol, HTTPS, and SSL certificates. This knowledge will help you make sense of the purpose behind “?gws_rd=ssl”. However, if you’re already familiar with these terms, feel free to skip this section and move on to the next section about the specifics of “?gws_rd=ssl”.
What is Protocol
On the internet, protocols refer to a specific set of rules and procedures that different devices must adhere to when transmitting and receiving data. While there are various protocols in use, this article focuses on “?gws_rd=ssl,” so we won’t delve into others. HTTP and HTTPS are among the most widely recognized and utilized protocols.
Https
In the previous section, we discussed how HTTP and HTTPS are internet protocols. Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into HTTPS. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, while HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. As their names imply, HTTP is a protocol that transfers data over the internet according to certain rules, whereas HTTPS adds an extra layer of security. Specifically, HTTPS encrypts data, preventing unauthorized access to your sensitive information while you browse.
What is SSL
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a technology that handles all security-related information, such as site identity, public and private keys. Its primary function is to ensure that data is encrypted as it travels between a device and a website’s server. By working in tandem with HTTPS, SSL establishes a secure connection between the device and server, safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information exchanged between them.
What is “?gws_rd=ssl”
The parameter “?gws_rd=ssl” found at the end of a search URL is an indication of a secure redirect by Google Web Service. “gws” stands for Google Web Service, “rd” for redirect, and “ssl” refers to Secure Socket Layer, an internet protocol that encrypts and secures data sent over the internet.
When you see “?gws_rd=ssl” appended to a URL, it means that Google has redirected the original URL with added SSL security. This usually happens when the original URL is using the less secure HTTP protocol. To comply with the latest security standards, Google requires the use of HTTPS, so it automatically adds “?gws_rd=ssl” to the end of URLs to ensure secure transmission of data.
Why does google redirect URLs with added ?gws_rd=ssl at the end
Some time ago, Google made a significant change in its rules and mandated the use of the “HTTPS” protocol instead of “HTTP” for all sites, including its own. As a result, Google’s URL protocol changed from HTTP to HTTPS, causing those with Google set as their browser homepage to notice changes in the URL whenever they visited Google.
In fact, Google was redirecting its site with a new URL that included “?gws_rd=ssl” at the end. The complete URL for Google became “https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl”. This was done to ensure the secure transmission of data between the user’s device and Google’s servers, as HTTPS encrypts the data sent between them.
Is “?gws_rd=ssl” a concerning sign
Google uses the string “?gws_rd=ssl” at the end of the URL (https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl) to redirect its users to a secure version of the site, which is for the safety and security of its users. This is not a cause for concern, as SSL ensures that the data transmitted between the user’s device and the Google servers is encrypted and secure.
If you encounter the “?gws_rd=ssl” string in the URL, it means that there may have been a security issue, but Google has managed to redirect you to a secured version of the site. You can now browse the site without worrying about the safety of your data. It is not a malware, dummy site, or virus, so you can use this version of the site with “?gws_rd=ssl” at the end without any hesitation.
Read Also: Messages.google.com.web
How to get rid of ?gws_rd=ssl
If you find gws_rd=ssl bothersome and you are not comfortable with the Google URL that ends with it, don’t worry. There are some tips that you can follow to get rid of it. Firstly, you should always open the Google search engine with the HTTPS protocol. In other words, your Google URL should be https://www.google.com. However, typing this URL every time you browse the internet can be cumbersome, so you should adjust your browser settings. You can set your browser’s homepage URL to HTTPS so that you don’t have to type it repeatedly.
Conclusion
You have now gained a clear understanding of what ?gws_rd=ssl is and why it appears at the end of the Google URL. You also know that it is not harmful and does not indicate any virus or malware. However, if you find it bothersome, you can get rid of it by opening Google with the HTTPS protocol or setting your browser’s homepage URL to HTTPS.
By following the tips mentioned above, you can easily eliminate the ?gws_rd=ssl version of the Google URL and enjoy browsing without any worries. I hope this information has provided you with a satisfactory answer and you can now surf the internet without any hesitation.
FAQ
When you access the google search engine with HTTP then it overrides HTTP with HTTPS and adds ?gws_rd=ssl at the end of its URL.
SSL is a protocol that provides security with HTTPS to the data sent and received through the internet by encrypting them. SSL also has information about the website like a public key, private key, and Site identity.
No ?gws_rd=ssl isn’t a virus or malware. You can browse with this URL safely.