How can you spot a secure website?

A secure website can be identified primarily by the presence of "https://" in the URL and a padlock icon displayed in the address bar. The "https://" indicates that the website is using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, which encrypts the data exchanged between the user's browser and the website's server. This encryption helps protect sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data, from being intercepted by malicious actors.

Additionally, the padlock icon serves as a visual cue to users that the site has a secure connection. When users see the padlock, it reassures them that the website has implemented SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocols to establish a secure link. Together, these elements provide confidence that the connection is safe for conducting activities that involve sensitive information.

In contrast, simply looking for "http://" does not ensure security, as that prefix indicates a lack of encryption. A green background is not a standardized indicator of security and may not be universally applicable to all websites. Lastly, a login requirement alone does not guarantee a secure site, as many unsecured sites also require user accounts and login procedures.