Making Gmail Safer?

I thought Gmail was the safest web-based email. So did Poynter's Fons Tuinstra who linked to Andrew Lih. But he says there is an even more secure way to get Gmail through a different server:

It’s easy. Just access Gmail using the address https://mail.google.com. Not only is your password not passed over the Internet in the clear, the entire session is encrypted and untappable. This will prevent anyone from snooping on your email as it travels from Google’s server (likely in California) to where you are. Gmail is so quick, you’ll never notice the difference in speed.

Lih says that this is perfect for folks accessing mail via wi-fi or a broadband connection in a hotel where others might be able to see your mail. CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here