GOOGLE has warned Gmail users to watch out for a red symbol in their inboxes.
It can mean certain emails aren’t protected by an important security feature.
The symbol to watch out for is a red padlock.
This symbol may have a line through it or show the lock as open.
It means someone else might be able to read the information in the email.
The lock represents a feature called “Transport Layer Security.”
Google explains: “When possible, Gmail protects your info by automatically encrypting your emails, which turns them into a code during delivery.
“This security tool is called Transport Layer Security (TLS) and helps prevent others from reading your emails.”
It adds: “If you’re on a computer or an Android device, emails that aren’t protected by this security tool will show No TLS.
“This icon looks like an open red lock and means that someone else might be able to read the email.”
If you see the symbol appear next to an email address that you’re about to message, it’s best not to send important documents to that address.
Google gives examples of things not to send such as “tax forms or contracts.”
Sending anything else confidential should also be avoided.
Seeing the symbol on an email doesn’t necessarily mean it’s malicious, it just means you should be more cautious.
There are several different reasons why the symbol can appear.
Google says: “Some email providers send messages to Gmail addresses using TLS but can’t receive encrypted messages.
“If you reply to these messages, this icon could show up even though you’re sending from Gmail.”
