Microsoft has announced that the free e-mail service from Hotmail can be used immediately throughout encrypted. In this case all data transmitted from login to logout via SSL encrypted using the HTTPS protocol (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). Until now, only the log-protected with SSL, the actual use of Hotmail was however the clear.

Hotmail users, this is available if they are over the domain https://hotmail.com. Alternatively, the fasteners in the account settings permanently activated. The Figure of Microsoft services, photos and docs are now automatically encrypted using SSL. The switch to HTTPS enhances security but also brings some disadvantages. HTTPS is enabled, some services may no longer be used. This affects the Hotmail Outlook Connector, Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Application for Windows Mobile 6.5 and Symbian. This is indicated by Dick Craddock, Group Program Manager for Windows Live Hotmail, a Microsoft blog.

"We are constantly working to improve safety for our customers, so stay tuned," said Craddock. Maybe so there will soon be an update, so that these programs can be used with an encrypted connection. Microsoft is reportedly earlier with 360 million users, one of the world's largest e-mail provider. In Germany, the software company had six months ago, 8.7 million users. Last end of September 2010 were new security features introduced. Hotmail users can change the account settings, one or more trusted computers to register and the number in their mobile phone for a password reset via SMS specify.