Google improves encryption algorithms of Chrome on Android

Google has made the encryption mechanisms in the Android version of Chrome more secure and faster. For example, for making an SSL connection, you can choose from several algorithms.

The new algorithms are mainly intended for socs that do not offer hardware acceleration. When applying symmetric encryption, Google has implemented the ChaCha20 algorithm in Chrome. The Poly1305 algorithm was chosen for the authentication process.

According to Google, the ChaCha20 algorithm is more secure because, for example, it is resistant to so-called timing attacks. In addition, both algorithms run more efficiently on ARM-socs, so that encrypted browser connections not only work faster, but also fewer CPU cycles and therefore less energy is consumed.

Google has been using the new algorithms since February when an Android Chrome browser connects to one of its services. Ultimately, the algorithms must become part of Android; for that, the code will be included in future Android versions.