Google is Set to Make Secure Connections Default in Chrome Browser by April 2026
The internet giant has announced that starting this year, its popular browser will automatically use HTTPS connections for public websites, a move aimed at improving user safety. As of now, about 95-99% of users on Chrome are already using secure HTTPs protocol, but the company wants to make it even safer for users.
This change is not new to Google, which has been working towards making the internet more secure over the years. In April 2021, Chrome started defaulting to HTTPS connections and in 2022, the browser offered an option to always use secure connections on a voluntary basis. Now, with the release of Chrome 154 in October 2026, Google will enable Always Use Secure Connections by default for all users.
However, not everyone will be affected right away. Users who have already enabled Enhanced Safe Browsing protections in their browsers will see the change come into effect as early as April when Chrome 147 is released. When this setting is on, Chrome will prompt users to confirm before accessing public websites that don't use HTTPS.
The move comes at a time when cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Google warns that using insecure HTTP connections can leave users vulnerable to malware, social engineering attacks and other exploits. "Attacks like this are not hypothetical," says the Chrome team, referring to software that can hijack navigation and target users with malicious content.
However, there is one exception - private sites such as local IP addresses and company intranets, which still use HTTP connections by default. These sites are inherently less risky than public websites but still pose a potential threat if an attacker manages to access the network.
Overall, Google's decision to make secure connections default in its browser is a significant step towards improving online security and protecting users from cyber threats.
The internet giant has announced that starting this year, its popular browser will automatically use HTTPS connections for public websites, a move aimed at improving user safety. As of now, about 95-99% of users on Chrome are already using secure HTTPs protocol, but the company wants to make it even safer for users.
This change is not new to Google, which has been working towards making the internet more secure over the years. In April 2021, Chrome started defaulting to HTTPS connections and in 2022, the browser offered an option to always use secure connections on a voluntary basis. Now, with the release of Chrome 154 in October 2026, Google will enable Always Use Secure Connections by default for all users.
However, not everyone will be affected right away. Users who have already enabled Enhanced Safe Browsing protections in their browsers will see the change come into effect as early as April when Chrome 147 is released. When this setting is on, Chrome will prompt users to confirm before accessing public websites that don't use HTTPS.
The move comes at a time when cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Google warns that using insecure HTTP connections can leave users vulnerable to malware, social engineering attacks and other exploits. "Attacks like this are not hypothetical," says the Chrome team, referring to software that can hijack navigation and target users with malicious content.
However, there is one exception - private sites such as local IP addresses and company intranets, which still use HTTP connections by default. These sites are inherently less risky than public websites but still pose a potential threat if an attacker manages to access the network.
Overall, Google's decision to make secure connections default in its browser is a significant step towards improving online security and protecting users from cyber threats.
... remember when we used to worry about dial-up internet and viruses on our computers? Now we're talking about HTTPS by default? It feels like just yesterday I was hearing about Firefox's private browsing mode 
. Seriously though, this change is a good step forward for user safety, but it's crazy how fast things are moving. I mean, I still remember the days of dial-up, and now we've got these super powerful computers that can access the internet from anywhere 
. But at the same time, with all this power comes more responsibility - like making HTTPS the default on Chrome 
... it's just another reminder that the internet is only as secure as we make it 
. I mean, who hasn't heard of those ransomware attacks 
? Its crazy how tech companies like Google are stepping up their game to keep us safe online 
. And honestly, most people aren't even aware that they're still using insecure connections 
.
. Thats why I think its awesome that they're giving users more control over their security options too 
. Now, we can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing our data is safer 
.
. I mean, it's about time they made HTTPS the default, especially with all the cyber attacks going on these days. It's not like people are stupid or anything (although, tbh, some of them can be 
). I just hope this change doesn't break any websites that still rely on HTTP connections. Like, what's next? 
Google is making HTTPS default on Chrome by April 2026... like, what's next? Are they gonna force us to wear seatbelts too? 
and also remember that security is a continuous process 
Cyber attacks are getting more and more sneaky so yeah, this is a good step forward in keeping us safe online 
. I mean, if an attacker gets into those networks they can still do some serious damage 
.
I remember dial-up internet days, when security wasn't even on our radar 
. Now, Google's making it super easy for us to stay safe online 
. I mean, 95-99% of users were already using HTTPS... what took 'em so long?! 
. It's like Google's finally catching up to the world of cybersecurity 
. Can't wait for April 2026 when it all becomes standard 
!
. 
at least now people will be safer online and all that jazz... its funny how some ppl think HTTPS is optional just bc its been defaulting on chrome for a bit now 
But what about those private sites like local IP addresses and company intranets? Can't they just use HTTPS too? 
.
! Like, don't you guys get it? Cyber attacks are getting way too serious and I feel like we're taking it for granted 
!
.
.